Finding Hope with NTM: Laura’s Journey

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a rare and often complex lung infection that requires long-term, specialized treatment and coordinated care. While the journey can be challenging, advances in therapy and support are helping patients achieve stability and regain quality of life.

At VytlOne Specialty, we support patients living with NTM by providing access to limited distribution drugs (LDDs) and personalized specialty pharmacy care. Our team simplifies access to therapy, delivers ongoing clinical support, and works to make sure patients feel confident and supported throughout treatment.

A Therapy and Pharmacy Partner that Changed Everything

For VytlOne Specialty patient Laura, the road to recovery was anything but straightforward.

“I’ve been on this journey for five years now, and it was very rough in the beginning,” she said. Early in her diagnosis, finding providers experienced in both bronchiectasis and NTM proved difficult, which delayed progress and added complexity to her care.

Once she was finally connected with a specialized care center, she began a structured treatment plan that included multiple antibiotics, infusions, and daily inhaled therapies to manage both NTM and recurrent infections. One of the therapies, Brinsupri™, which is an LDD indicated for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, brought her to VytlOne Specialty. While her journey began uncertainly, that quickly changed.

VytlOne is definitely a huge partner in my health journey.

Laura’s experience underscores how the right therapy, paired with the right pharmacy partner, can transform outcomes. She shared that VytlOne “reached out to me right away, everything was just perfectly smooth. After the first delivery, every call I’ve made for the last six months has been wonderful.”

The impact of her therapy has been substantial, especially in reducing complications that once disrupted her daily life. But for her, VytlOne’s value goes beyond medication fulfillment. It’s the ongoing support, education, and human connection that stand out most.

“They’re constantly asking, ‘Do you have questions? Are you experiencing any side effects?’ That awareness and reassurance, it makes a huge difference. I feel like I have a friend in the pharmacy.”

From seamless onboarding to proactive monthly check-ins, the experience has exceeded expectations. Together, the combination of an effective therapy and a highly engaged specialty pharmacy team helped restore not just her health, but also her confidence.

“I feel like it’s given me my life back. In June of last year, I became clear with the NTM and considered stable. That was like a hooray moment!”

Reclaiming Life Beyond the Diagnosis

With stability came something even more meaningful – possibility. Laura said, “Now I’m still scuba diving. I’m still able to play with my grandkids and do all the things I envisioned my retirement being.”

Today, she channels that renewed perspective into leading a multi-state support group for patients living with NTM and bronchiectasis, helping others navigate fear, find care, and advocate for themselves.

My mission is to bring hope, compassion, and a sense of camaraderie to those walking this path alongside me.

“Everyone’s journey with BE & NTM will look a little different, but through shared experiences, we are able to expand our knowledge and understanding—making it easier to navigate these two rare lung diseases while still leading fulfilling lives.”

She emphasized the invisible challenges patients face and the importance of compassion. “We may look okay on the outside, but our bodies are constantly fighting inflammation—just having a little grace and understanding goes a long way.”

She remains optimistic about the future of treatment, especially as more specialized therapies and pharmacy services become available.

“There is no better time than now to have these diseases because hope is on the horizon. Each of us have come across so many different difficulties in our path. With NTM, there’s over 200 varieties, so nobody’s journey is going to be the same, but we can help them make it a smoother one. And pharmacies like VytlOne are incredibly helpful in being there for each patient.”

Through access to innovative therapies, personalized support, and a commitment to patient-centered care, VytlOne Specialty is proud to help patients not only manage NTM but also truly live beyond it.