The Importance of Clinical Trials in Research For COPD

COPD has life-changing effects on millions of people worldwide, making it difficult to perform regular daily activities due to difficulty breathing. Despite existing treatments, COPD has debilitating consequences on everyday life and there is currently no cure. 

Here at Simbec-Orion, we are a specialist CRO company, helping manage clinical trials and drug development for many therapeutic areas including respiratory. It is important we continue progressing research for COPD and trialing new treatments to ease the symptoms of those suffering from the chronic disease. 

What is COPD? 

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult due to inflammation, damage and blockage to the airways. It is a name for a group of conditions and includes diseases such as chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. 

Symptoms of COPD 

COPD is a disease that generally worsens over time. According to the National Health Service UK, the main symptoms are: 

• Shortness of breath 
• Persistent cough with phlegm 
• Frequent chest infections
• Wheezing 
• Persistent fatigue 
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Tightness in the chest

Please note: it is important to consult your GP if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms. Some of the listed symptoms can be for other health problems, so it’s better to be tested by a medical professional.  

Causes and Treatments for COPD

There are a few causes of COPD including ones that are and are not within a person’s control. 

The number one primary cause of COPD is smoking. According to the World Health Organisation, smoking is the cause of 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries and in the UK 9/10 COPD cases are thought to be as a result of smoking. The chemicals damage the airways, so stopping smoking can reduce the symptoms from getting worse. 

Other factors include: 

• Workplace chemical exposure: Some occupations will lead you at greater risk of developing COPD if you are exposed consistently to fumes and dust including, silica, cadmium, grain and coal dust or welding fumes. 
• Air Pollution: Research is still ongoing to determine how air pollution is linked to COPD but prolonged exposure to air pollution is often linked to causes of lung damage.
• Genetics: If you smoke and have a close family member who has COPD, you may be more likely to develop the disease. Those with an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are also linked with an increased chance of having a lung disease, as your lungs are not as protected from infections or other toxins. Your lungs are more likely to be damaged as a result. 

COPD Awareness Day 2025

World COPD Awareness Day takes place in November each year. This day is used to raise awareness around the disease internationally to spread correct information on the signs, symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis. It aims to also help fund research and treatments for those suffering from the chronic disease to hopefully improve quality of life – alongside educating on risk factors to prevent development of the disease initially. 

How to Get Involved in COPD Awareness 

Having a COPD awareness day allows those with the disease, healthcare professionals and the general public to come together to spread education and fundraise. Ways to get involved include: 

• Awareness events: Hosting or attending events such as workshops or webinars to spread correct facts about COPD. 
• Learn about COPD: Educate yourself and others about the risks associated with lifestyle factors and the disease in general. This can be social sharing on platforms, for example. 
• Quit smoking: Promote a healthier lifestyle by stopping smoking and reducing the risks of developing COPD. 

As COPD worsens over time, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to reducing the impact of symptoms. 

Clinical Trials & Scintigraphy For COPD

There is currently no cure for COPD, so advancing treatments is important for those living with the disease. Clinical trials are important to provide a structured way to test new drug developments, improve existing therapies and advance medical knowledge/ research. 

New treatment options as a result of clinical trials could be anti-inflammatory drugs that target inflammation of the airways to improve lung capacity. There are also oxygen and rehabilitation therapies that can prolong the symptoms from worsening and give a greater day-to-day quality of life. 

Clinical trials also give access to new developments to patients and regular check ins on progress. This can be life-changing for some people with COPD as it can help them be able to do daily activities, exercise more easily without the extreme breathlessness. 

Scintigraphy 

Scintigraphy technology can help progress research of COPD due to its imaging capabilities. The device has an advanced imaging technique which can give clear indications on blood flow and lung function. This is vital information for COPD patients to help see how inflammation and obstruction is affecting lung capacity. Information from Scintigraphy is vital for researchers to advance and develop new treatments for lung diseases. 

CRO Services With Simbec Orion

Clinical trials are essential for the future of treatments related to COPD. Without clinical research, progress in COPD treatment would stall, leaving millions without hope for better care. 

Simbec-Orion has nearly 50 years experience in the full lifecycle management of clinical trials, from Phase 1 to Phase 3. If you are looking for an extension of your team or would like more information on how we can help you, please contact us online.