Rethinking respiratory disease diagnosis: insights from an evolving technology landscape

Abstract Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) represent a major global health burden, with diagnosis frequently delayed by overlapping symptoms, limited access to testing and reliance on effort-dependent lung function measures. Earlier diagnosis in primary care remains a critical unmet need. We reviewed the current and emerging landscape of CRD diagnostics using a market intelligence database (GlobalData), focusing on technologies with potential to support early diagnosis and triage. The current diagnostic landscape is dominated by lung function testing, particularly spirometry. However, the development pipeline suggests a shift towards indirect approaches, including breath analysis and acoustic technologies. These emerging technologies offer the potential for more accessible, patient-centred diagnostics suited to primary care and other community settings. However, realising this potential will require robust validation and integration within clinical pathways. In addition, innovation remains concentrated on more prevalent CRDs with comparatively limited activity focused on rarer conditions. Addressing this imbalance will be critical to improving equity and reducing diagnostic delay for all individuals living with CRD. Co-ordinated action from innovators, funders and system decision-makers will be essential to accelerate the translation of the most promising solutions into clinical practice, while ensuring that the needs of those with rarer lung conditions are not overlooked.