Worldwide study to help Australians breathe easier needs volunteers

Australian sufferers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), set to be the third biggest cause of death by 2030, have the opportunity to participate in a worldwide study being held across Australia which will assess a potential new treatment.

COPD is predominately a smoking-related disorder, which encompasses conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis and causes difficulties in breathing.

In Western Australia, the research is being conducted by two groups at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), the Lung Institute of Western Australia (LIWA) and WA Lung Research within the Department of Respiratory Medicine. Both groups are currently recruiting patients aged 40 years and over with COPD to be part of the clinical study.

The study aims to provide a better quality of life for sufferers, and will provide participants with free treatment and regular medical check-ups conducted by some of the country’s leading respiratory experts.

Professor Philip Thompson, Director of the Lung Institute based at SCGH said COPD was a long-term lung disease that reduced airflow in and out of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

“COPD affects an estimated two million Australians, and of these, more than half have disease that is severe enough for symptoms to be present and impact the way people live their daily lives1,” he said.   

“Although doctors cannot cure COPD, it is possible to improve symptoms and slow damage to the lungs.”

Clinical Professor Martin Phillips, Director of WA Lung Research in the Sir Charles Gairdner’s Department of Respiratory Medicine said the outcome of the study could be significant for sufferers.

“This study could potentially provide medical advances in COPD treatment which could alleviate patients’ suffering and improve their quality of life,” he said.

To be eligible to participate, patients need to be 40 years and over, diagnosed with COPD, a current or ex-smoker, experiencing some breathlessness and have not been recently hospitalised for COPD.

With more than two million Australians suffering from COPD, the financial costs associated with the disorder are huge – almost $7 billion lost in productivity alone[1][1].

This study is being conducted by GlaxoSmithKline simultaneously in 16 countries around the world.

Those interested in seeking further information about the study can phone the national toll free number 1800 800 285 or visit www.clinicaltrials.gov for more information.