nattie33
Knowflake Posts: 531
From: USA
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted May 20, 2008 12:15 PM
 
http://www.openpr.com/news/45037/Evolving-Treatments-for-COPD-Emphasizing-Innovative-Therapies.html
Nashua, NH) – In terms of patient morbidity, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) rivals congestive heart failure as a major healthcare challenge. Primarily smoking-related, COPD is a progressive disorder of the lungs characterized by airflow obstruction. It is an umbrella term used to define diseases that cause airflow obstruction, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or combinations of both. Worldwide estimates for COPD reach as high as 600 million people. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020 it will be the third leading cause of death in the world.Therapies which address the underlying tissue damage in COPD and prevent the progressive decline in lung function which is a hallmark of this disease are considered the path to improved patient quality-of-life. With this in mind, a number of companies are taking a fresh look at COPD therapeutics, developing new and novel approaches to this family of diseases. By targeting new disease mechanisms and focusing on the underlying pathologies causing COPD, these sector participants are attempting to move beyond the palliative treatments that have historically formed the standard of care for COPD patients. Drug candidates currently in development include enzyme and synthesis inhibitors, chemokine antagonists and receptor agonists. Interventional approaches include drug-eluting bronchial stents and minimally invasive devices. These findings are part of a comprehensive report that examines the potential of development-stage treatments and therapies for COPD. More information is also available at www.applieddata.org .
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