The aim of the TINN2 study is to evaluate the efficacy of azithromycin in prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates.

In contrast to the situation in adults, most medicines used to treat the children of Europe have not been tested and are not authorised for use in children. In particular, 46% medicines prescribed to children in hospital are either unlicensed for their age group or, if licensed, are prescribed off label. Of the children who receive at least one medication in hospital, 67% receive an unlicensed or off-label drug, and in the context of intensive care, this rises to up to 90% of patients.

The new Paediatric Regulation entered into force in early 2007 ensure that medicines for use in children are of high quality, ethically evaluated and authorised appropriately. The Paediatric-Use Marketing Authorisation (PUMA) is a new type of marketing authorisation for drugs not covered by a patent, already available on the market for adults. PUMA applies to medicines lacking information and/or appropriate formulation for children of all ages.

Thus, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a list of drugs, which azithromycin belongs, as priority medicinal products needing an evaluation in the paediatric population.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a specific disease of prematurity accompanied by pulmonary inflammation. Multiple factors may contribute to the occurrence of BPD. In infants who are at risk of developing CLD, one frequent finding is colonisation of the preterm lung with the microbe Ureaplasma.

Two Meta-Analyses and recent studies have suggested an association between the presence of pulmonary Ureaplasma and the development of BPD.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic active against Ureaplasma spp with anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may be effective in reducing the severity of bronchopulmonary diseases in which both infection and inflammation play a role.

TINN2 project: the aim of the TINN2 study is to evaluate the efficacy of azithromycin in prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates. TINN2 is a consortium involving European leaders in neonatology, paediatric pharmacology, methodology and several SMEs that will establish links with ethical bodies and regulatory authorities.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Pre-term, 28w + 6d gestational age (i.e. 28 weeks and 6 days, including infants born as one of a multiple birth)
2. Requirement for respiratory support within 12hrs of birth (intubated, or by noninvasive mechanical ventilation including continuous positive airway pressure)
3. Presence of an indwelling intravenous line for drug administration
4. Inborn, or born at site within the recruiting centre's neonatal network where follow up will be possible

Exclusion Criteria:

1. In the opinion of the PI, babies unlikely to survive until 48 hours after birth
2. Exposure to another macrolide antibiotic
3. Presence of major surgical or congenital abnormalities (not including patent ductus arteriosus or patent foramen ovale)
4. Infants born as part of a multiple pregnancy of three or more (i.e. triplets or more)
5. Contraindication of azithromycin as specified in the summary of characteristics of the product.
6. Participation in other clinical trials involving Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs)