COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The primary causes are tobacco smoking and exposure to air pollutants. COPD encompasses two main conditions: chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus, and emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time, typically due to smoking.

The current treatment options for COPD include bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids administered via inhalers and nebulizers, as well as phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Given that COPD is characterized by irreversible and progressive damage to the airways, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease, reduce exacerbations and improve the current symptoms. New therapies we are exploring for COPD include anti-inflammatory therapies, mucolytic agents, antifibrotic agents, stem cell therapy, and novel bronchodilators. These trials are in various stages as we explore their safety and efficacy.