Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy impairs lung embryonic development, which may increase the baby’s later-in-life risk for disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a mouse study suggests. Smoke was found to increase the levels of the amphiregulin (AREG) protein, which may impair the formation of certain…

A single dose of a pressurized metered-dose inhaler formulation of ensifentrine (RPL544) significantly improved lung function, compared to a placebo, in people with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Verona Pharma announced. These results are from part A, the single-dose part, of a Phase 2 trial (NCT04091360) underway in two…

With the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rising, a team of researchers is discussing the latest research linking both diseases, and the recommended therapeutic approaches for patients with coexisting COPD and diabetes. The study “COPD and Type 2 Diabetes,” published in the journal…

Exosomes — tiny vesicles used for cell communication, released from specific activated immune cells called polymorphonuclear leukocytes — can induce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when transferred to the lungs of healthy mice, a study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) shows. The study, “Activated PMN exosomes: Pathogenic…

A Phase 2 clinical trial is enrolling participants to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Verona Pharma’s dry powder inhaler RPL554 as a potential maintenance treatment for people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RPL554 is a dual inhibitor of the proteins phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and…

Two new studies highlight the important role of mucus in cleaning and protecting the lungs, and how its accumulation and impaired clearance can contribute to the worsening of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the studies, researchers show how mucus in the lungs forms a protective…

The benefits of Daliresp (roflumilast), an approved chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy, may include an anti-inflammatory effect, with the treatment seen in a Phase 3 clinical trial to lower the number of eosinophils — a type of immune cell linked to inflammation — in the lungs of patients with moderate to severe…

GlaxoSmithKline’s application for approval of mepolizumab as an add-on therapy to reduce exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires more clinical data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a complete response letter. GSK sought approval for mepolizumab as an add-on to inhaled corticosteroid-based maintenance treatments used…

Electronic cigarettes help reduce exacerbations and improve exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who saw their condition get worse by smoking conventional cigarettes, a new study reports. The study, “Health effects in COPD smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes: a retrospective-prospective 3-year follow-up” was…

The surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, a common procedure in children, has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infectious diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study reports. The study, “Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids…