Research data on COPD increasingly point to systemic infl ammation as the cause of many of the severe
comorbidities associated with the disease. However, agents under study for COPD continue to focus only on
the local infl ammation caused by the disease. Significant opportunity exists for agents that can reduce the
infl ammation both in the lungs and throughout the system. Given that inhaler drugs will not be displaced as
the primary treatment for the disease, is there a drug on the market for another indication that will address the
systemic comorbidities associated with COPD? Should any existing therapies be able to show clear clinical
benefit on systemic infl ammation, such an agent would gain a useful competitive edge in the COPD market.
Get the Answers You Need to Shape Your Strategy
COPD is a progressive infl ammatory disease affecting the respiratory tract and the lungs. What
comorbidities are associated with COPD? What roles do local and systemic infl ammation play in
this disease? What is the status of research on the connection between systemic infl ammation and
pulmonary function?
Researchers are beginning to investigate the potential of systemic agents in the treatment of COPD. What
are some of the most promising drug classes being studied? Will these agents have an effect on the
localized symptoms and the severe comorbidities?
See the appendix in this report for a discussion on the current treatments for localized COPD. What are the
most effective treatments? What new therapies need to be considered?
Scope
The role of infl ammation in the comorbidities in COPD: therapies are needed to address the
multiple facets of the disease; established agent for another indication may be aimed at COPD.
(0 items)
