Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Antibody activating an immune cell protein may treat COPD

Scientists at NextCure have developed a monoclonal antibody targeting the protein VSTM-1, which the company hopes to develop as a treatment for inflammatory lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “We believe we have a real opportunity to change the standard of care in…

Eblasakimab found to open lung airways of COPD patient samples

Treatment with the anti-inflammatory medication eblasakimab opened the airways of lung samples from people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) in laboratory experiments. The findings were shared by Aslan Pharmaceuticals, the company that’s developing eblasakimab, in an oral presentation at the Dermatology Drug Development Summit, held recently in…

FDA clears Phase 2 trial of RLS-0071 for COPD exacerbations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ReAlta Life Sciences’ request to launch a Phase 2 clinical trial testing its experimental anti-inflammatory therapy RLS-0071 in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are experiencing disease exacerbations. Exacerbations, or disease flare-ups, may occur several times per year…

Worse COPD outcomes linked with S. maltophilia bacterium in lungs

The bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in the lungs is significantly associated with a higher risk of death and hospitalization due to disease exacerbation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study shows. Researchers are calling for clinical trials to test whether targeting S. maltophilia with antibiotics might improve outcomes…

Geographic factors may result in guideline-discordant COPD care

After hospitalization due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, patients who live in rural areas and/or have to drive long distances to get to lung specialty centers are more likely to be prescribed an inhaler therapy regimen that isn’t in line with medical guidelines. That’s according to a…

Many high-risk COPD patients in US not getting recommended care

In the U.S., many people with diagnosed or probable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at higher risk of disease exacerbations are not receiving recommended care, a new study found. “This analysis reveals the gaps and opportunities for improvement in the identification and management of patients with COPD in the…

FDA warns AstraZeneca about false or misleading claims for Breztri

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to AstraZeneca for making false or misleading claims about Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate), its approved inhalation therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the FDA, promotional material about Breztri distributed by AstraZeneca includes claims…

FDA asked to approve ensifentrine as COPD maintenance therapy

Verona Pharma has filed an application asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve inhaled ensifentrine as a maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The regulatory submission “is a significant milestone towards our goal of bringing this potential first-in-class therapy to COPD patients…

COPD symptoms tend to worsen with outdoor air pollution: US study

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) tend to experience worsening symptoms at times when levels of pollution in their community are higher, a new U.S. study indicates. “Our findings are consistent with a growing number of studies reporting adverse effects of community-level exposure to air pollution on respiratory…

Prompt treatment with Breztri Aerosphere lowers exacerbation risk

Prompt treatment with Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate) after a moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation can lower the risk of a future worsening episodes. That’s according to data by AstraZeneca, which markets Breztri Aerosphere, in the late-breaking abstract, “Exacerbations and Real-world Outcomes…