Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Using the gene-editing technology CRISPR, a team led by scientists at Boston University has shown that several genes previously associated with susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect the development of lung cells. The results specifically suggest that, in COPD, increased expression or activity of a gene called…

Scientists have developed a soft, wearable stethoscope that could make it easier to detect lung abnormalities that are indicative of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The new device was described in a study, “Fully portable continuous real-time auscultation with a soft wearable stethoscope designed for automated…

Enrollment is now complete in ENHANCE-1, a Phase 3 clinical trial testing Verona Pharma’s experimental inhalation therapy ensifentrine in more than 800 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The announcement comes less than five months after Verona completed enrollment in its other Phase 3 trial testing ensifentrine,…

A first-in-human clinical trial testing the safety and tolerability of EP395, EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals’ experimental treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is now finished. EpiEndo is planning to launch a Phase 2a trial testing EP395 in people with COPD later this year. “The successful completion of this study…

Propeller Health has announced three new initiatives aiming to broaden the application of its technology, which connects a sensor to inhalers, allowing for detailed tracking of treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The goal, according to Propeller, is to implement “new solutions to bring [this]…

Respira Labs has raised $2.8 million to help develop a wearable device that uses sound to evaluate lung function in people with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and COVID-19. “We’re a U.S.-based startup excited to be making strides in a highly competitive space…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given final approval to Zydus Pharmaceuticals to start marketing roflumilast tablets at a dose of 500 micrograms (mcg), according to a company press release. Roflumilast tablets are a generic version of oral Daliresp, manufactured by AstraZeneca. Like the brand-name medicine,…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lupin Limited’s generic form of Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) for treating bronchoconstriction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Like the name-brand medicine sold by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, the new generic is indicated for long-term maintenance treatment, according to…

Standardized questionnaires can effectively be used to help diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in settings where healthcare resources may be limited, according to a new study. The study, “Discriminative Accuracy of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Screening Instruments in 3 Low- and Middle-Income Country Settings,” was…

An international team of researchers has published a new framework, dubbed the Rome proposal, for defining and classifying exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “The ‘Rome Proposal’ represents an important milestone for better understanding and treating a very important and troubling component of COPD progression and, the prospect…