Author Archives: Forest Ray PhD

Injecting mice with healthy lung endothelial cells — specialized cells lining the inside of blood vessels — prevented, and in some cases reversed, lung damage associated with emphysema, a severe form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in a recent study. The study, “Reversal of emphysema…

Mice lacking a protein called FCHSD1 were protected from developing emphysema, a severe form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to data from a recent study. Based on these observations, researchers say this protein could serve as a future therapeutic target for COPD. “Our findings may also lead…

Preventing a specific type of cell death, called necroptosis, may provide a new way of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to data from a recent study. Patients with COPD have elevated levels of necroptosis, the study revealed. Stopping that type of cell death leads to significant reductions…

Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched the first generic version of Perforomist (formoterol fumarate inhalation solution) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the U.S. “Teva is pleased to provide patients with first-to-market access to a generic version of Perforomist,” Christine Baeder, senior vice president and…

Medical Mutual of Ohio now covers Spiration Valve System (SVS), Olympus‘ minimally invasive therapy for eligible patients with severe emphysema, a progressive form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “This decision by Medical Mutual will provide expanded access to this critical therapy that significantly reduces lung hyperinflation associated with…

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute awarded $962,000 to a University of Buffalo researcher to develop risk models that help to improve patient care and lower hospital readmission rates for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “Each year, 7.8 million hospital-discharged patients are readmitted, costing the United…

Scientists have identified several genes associated with rapid lung function decline in former and current smokers that might help identify people who are most at risk of developing smoking-related conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). These genes could also improve future clinical trials by helping to identify patients…

Scientists have found that a certain protein helps cells in the airways to clear away mucus, such as the mucus that builds up in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This discovery, they noted, suggests that boosting the activity of this protein, called adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), could become a…

X-PLO₂R, a portable oxygen concentrator developed by Belluscura and its research partner Separation Design Group, has been cleared for commercialization in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the company’s premarket notification, or 510(k), and granted marketing authorization to the new device. Premarket notification is a formal…

As part of its Catalyst Grant program, the American Lung Association (ALA) has awarded $50,000 for a project aimed at regenerating damaged lung tissue. Researcher Ya-Wen Chen, PhD, hopes her project will ultimately help to improve lung function in people with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease…