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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…

The Zephyr Endobronchial Valve significantly improved lung function and quality of life for at least two years in people with emphysema, a severe form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to new clinical trial data. “These long-term data further demonstrate that our Zephyr Valve is a safe,…

Approximately 40% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the U.S. — and notably, most of those living in small towns or rural areas — have limited access to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) maintenance programs, according to a recent study. Indeed, roughly 17% of people with COPD from this…

Note: This story was updated May 21, 2021, as an earlier version of this article misidentified Renu Jain, PhD, scientific director of medical affairs at GlaxoSmithKline.  People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who do not experience exacerbations, or flare-ups, within the previous 12 months are still at risk…

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…

Enrollment is now concluded in a clinical trial evaluating the mechanism of action of RejuvenAir Metered Cryospray, an investigational treatment for chronic bronchitis, the most common form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the airways, characterized by coughing and excessive mucus production.

Treatment with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) effectively lessened hard-to-treat non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung infection, and its associated weight loss, in a new mouse model susceptible to these infections, an early study reported. “The potential to use human mesenchymal stem cells to treat difficult lung infections is promising,” Anthony Atala,…

Note: This article was updated to include information from a Hopkins study published on May 5, 2021, of responses after a second vaccine dose was given to transplant patients. Long before COVID-19 changed the world, organ transplant recipients were wearing masks to shield themselves from airborne threats. Immunosuppressive medicines, which often…

NuvoAir has released a new mobile app for home use, called NuvoAir Cough, that can record and analyze coughing sounds made by patients with lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The app is included in the NuvoAir Home platform, the company’s digital respiratory support system. Coughing…

Smiths Medical has launched a medical device designed to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases to clear secretions from their lungs and breathe better. “The introduction of the acapella choice blue therapy system enhances the quality of life for those living with…