News

Anti-inflammatory DMX-700 Found to Reduce Lung Injury in COPD Mice

An experimental anti-inflammatory medication called DMX-700, being developed by Dimerix for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was found to substantially reduce lung injury in a mouse model of the disease. “DMX-700 has demonstrated some very encouraging pre-clinical data,” Nina Webster, PhD, CEO and managing director of Dimerix,…

MgIG-Salmeterol Combo Fares Well in Rat Study

Salmeterol, combined with the root extract derivative magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG), eased the signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rats, a study demonstrated. Salmeterol-MgIG combination therapy was more effective than the approved salmeterol-fluticasone combination in improving lung function and reducing inflammation. The researchers suggested…

Fibrinogen Protein Levels May Help Predict Exacerbation Outcomes

Levels of the protein fibrinogen in the blood can be used to assess inflammation and the risk of non-invasive ventilation failure during acute exacerbations in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. Fibrinogen is an inflammation-associated protein that is known as a biomarker for…

DSP Gene in COPD May Limit Ability of Lung Cells to Repair Injuries

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…

PEP Buddy Device Available Soon for Preventing Shortness of Breath

Researchers have developed a device to prevent shortness of breath in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions. When breathing through the hands-free device, called PEP Buddy, the user’s exhales are prolonged, resulting in slower breathing rates and preventing breathlessness. “There are many…

Discovery of CMA-1 Enzyme May Lead to New Treatment for COPD

Scientists say the discovery of a triggering enzyme in the lung tissue of people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could lead to a new treatment for the inflammatory disorder. Elevated levels of the newly uncovered enzyme, called chymase-1 or CMA-1, were found in tissue isolated from the lungs…

New Virtual Management Platform Seeks to Cut Hospital Readmissions

Wellinks is investigating whether its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) virtual management program — which offers health coaching, lung rehabilitation, and monitoring through connected devices and a mobile app — can reduce hospital readmission among people with COPD. To test the platform, the healthcare company has teamed up with…