News

Increased Mucus Protein From Viruses Linked to Exacerbations

The levels of a mucus protein called MUC5AC — abnormally increased when a person gets a viral infection — are associated with airway inflammatory responses and exacerbation severity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study shows. Simply put, the increased mucus protein from viruses creates a “vicious…

Wellinks’ Mobile App Easy to Use, Valuable for Managing COPD: Study

Older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found the Wellinks health mobile app useful and valuable for managing the disease and treatment, a small pilot study suggests. According to study authors, the Wellinks platform may aid patient engagement and outcomes. “It’s exciting to see this population of chronically ill patients successfully…

FDA Approves Generic Version of Symbicort for COPD, Asthma

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic equivalent to AstraZeneca’s Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) as a maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The generic, produced by Mylan Pharmaceuticals now part of Viatris, will be available as a metered-dose inhaler. It is intended…

‘Papa’s Pals’ Helping Highmark Wholecare Members in Pennsylvania

Papa, an at-home companionship and support platform, has partnered with Highmark Wholecare, a managed care organization, to address the social needs of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and people at risk of isolation. The collaboration, touted as a new approach to…