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COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects adults who smoke or used to smoke. 

Symptoms of COPD can include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent chesty cough with phlegm
  • Wheezing
  • Frequent chest infections

The symptoms may get worse over time and make daily activities difficult to do. Treatment can help slow the progression.

If you have been diagnosed with COPD with bronchitis, are a smoker of 10 yrs+  and over 40, you might be eligible for a clinical trial.

clinical trials

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you may have questions about participating in our clinical trial. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from potential participants. For more information, visit our full FAQs page or browse our Information Hub.

Am I eligible for the COPD clinical trial?
To join our COPD clinical trials UK, you need to be at least 40 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD with bronchitis. You must have a smoking history of 10 years or more, whether you currently smoke or have quit. If you’re unsure about the difference between COPD and chronic bronchitis, our team can help clarify your diagnosis. Our research team will review your medical history, including your COPD diagnosis, current medications, and breathing difficulties. We’ll discuss your symptoms, how often you experience chest infections, and how COPD affects your daily life to determine if this clinical trial is right for you. Contact us for a no-obligation assessment.
Our Ilford and Swinton research centre provides a comfortable environment where you’ll receive care from experienced respiratory specialists. During the COPD clinical trials, you’ll have regular appointments where we assess your breathing, lung function, and overall health. Read our guide on what happens at a clinical trial screening visit to understand the process. You’ll undergo lung function tests to measure improvements, discuss your symptoms and any changes, and receive comprehensive monitoring. Before any procedures begin, you’ll complete the informed consent process, ensuring you fully understand what’s involved. The research team will explain everything clearly and answer your questions throughout the study. Your safety is our priority, and visit frequency varies by study protocol, but you’ll receive a detailed schedule.
Yes, we’re specifically looking for people with a smoking history of 10 years or more, whether you currently smoke or have stopped. Many clinical trials for COPD focus on people with significant smoking histories, as this represents the majority of people living with COPD. Our team understands that quitting smoking is challenging, especially when living with COPD. We’ll discuss your smoking status during screening and throughout the trial, and can provide information about smoking cessation support if you’re interested. Read our guide on how to take part in clinical research in the UK for step-by-step guidance.
COPD affects over a million people in the UK, with many experiencing daily breathing difficulties despite treatment. By participating in COPD clinical trials, you help researchers understand which treatments work best and how to improve quality of life for people with lung conditions. Discover why clinical trials are so important for advancing respiratory treatments. Your participation contributes to developing better treatments that could help reduce breathlessness, prevent chest infections, and slow COPD progression. This research is vital for finding new ways to help people with COPD stay active and independent. Learn more about how medical trials help shape the future of healthcare.

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