President's Research Report: What You Make Possible

A Message from the President

Hope. No word describes research better than hope. Medical research delivers the hope of better treatment and even cures for disease. The promise of a healthier tomorrow, for ourselves, and our loved ones. That’s why the American Lung Association invests heavily in promising research in all areas of lung health. And this past year, we’ve increased our research investment to bring even more hope to those with lung disease.

The Lung Association has been a leader in lung disease research funding for more than 115 years. Over that time, we’ve funded more than 1,700 promising research projects, and just since 2000 alone, we have invested more than $198 million of your generous contributions on research. This year, our Research Team is working to unlock the secrets of a wide array of lung diseases, from COVID-19 to COPD, and from asthma to lung cancer, through our investment of $13.2 million dollars in research.

Our research program is unique, because we are the only non-profit that addresses ALL diseases of the lungs. We do this by strategically funding only the most promising scientists and identifying new avenues of research and innovation, as well as bringing together the brightest minds in the field to share their knowledge. We support the entire lifecycle of research starting at the bench, translated to the clinic, while fostering new partnerships and collaborations to ultimately improve the lung health and treatment of lung disease in all Americans.

Our research program is made up of two critical parts. Our Awards and Grants Program funds researchers at all levels, who are studying a wide range of lung health topics. Our ever-growing Airways Clinical Research Center (ACRC) network is the largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers focused on asthma and COPD treatment research that promises to have an immediate impact on the lives of patients.

This report is just a glimpse of all the exciting studies we are funding. In it, you’ll meet some members of our Research Team, like Bria Coates, M.D. whose research showed that a COVID-19 vaccination protects both the mother and her baby. You’ll also learn about Moumita Ghosh, PhD, whose work is helping to improve early detection of lung cancer.

Remember, though, the most important member of our Research Team is YOU! As we work together on all our many promising research projects, your support is what keeps hope alive for now and for future generations. Our deepest thanks for your commitment, and for investing in a healthier future for all Americans through the American Lung Association.

New ACRC Study Focuses on Respiratory Health for Women

Diet and air pollution are two modifiable factors that may contribute to respiratory health in women, who are more likely than men to have uncontrolled asthma. A newly launched study by Jing Gennie Wang, M.D., at The Ohio State University aims to reduce the asthmatic response to pollution using a plant-based diet. The study will use data from the Nurses’ Health Study cohorts of women with asthma and explore if those with a long history of plant-based diet could be at reduced risk for asthma.

This is important because this work will establish a foundation for subsequent interventions promoting healthy dietary practices to improve respiratory health for women.

Dr. Wang was funded by the Lung Association ACRC Early Career Investigator award, which was established to support the next generation of rising stars in clinical research.

The ACRC is the true jewel in the crown of our research program. With your continued support, it will continue to shine! Learn more at Lung.org/acrc.

Your Donations Keep the Research Life Cycle Moving

Every dollar you give empowers our researchers to make lifesaving progress against lung disease.