COPD Foundation and American Lung Association Collaborate to Enhance COPD Research

The COPD Foundation and American Lung Association today announced a partnership to help more patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) access clinical trials, and as a result enhance COPD research and outcomes.

The nation's third leading cause of death, COPD is a condition that encompasses emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other diseases characterized by increased breathlessness and wheezing. Through the coordination of the COPD Foundation's COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (COPD PPRN) and the Lung Association's Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC), both organizations are aiming to improve the quality of life for those living with disease.

The COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (COPD PPRN) is comprised of patients who have provided health and quality of life information using a robust technological infrastructure that supports clinical studies and surveys. The platform provides a unique opportunity for researchers to connect directly with participants, and is overseen by a patient-led governing board to ensure that patient priorities remain at the forefront.

"The COPD Foundation looks forward to working with the American Lung Association on this endeavor," said Craig Kephart, Chief Executive Officer at the COPD Foundation. "We believe this collaboration will speed the development of improved therapies and ultimately a cure for COPD. Our network will serve as channel for ACRC recruitment, integrating our efforts and enhancing patient-centered COPD research overall."

The American Lung Association's Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) is the nation's largest not-for-profit clinical research centers network dedicated to COPD and asthma. The network conducts large clinical trials that directly impact patient care for those living with COPD. Originally focused on asthma alone, in 2015 the program expanded to include COPD treatment research.

"Over 6,300 patients have participated in clinical trials through our Airways Clinical Research Centers, and we look forward to making an impact on thousands more with the support of the COPD PPRN," said Susan Rappaport, Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at the American Lung Association. "This important collaboration will aid our ACRC researchers at 24 different trial sites throughout the United States in conducting research studies toward our mutual goal of supporting better COPD management and improving treatment."