St. Charles seeks COPD drug study participants

St. Charles is seeking people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to participate in a nationwide clinical research study to test the long-term benefits of a new drug in reducing lung and heart complications.

COPD, which is usually caused by smoking, is a common lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

The study drug combines both a long-acting beta-agonist and a corticosteroid in a single inhaler in order to relax the airways in the lung, helping to make breathing easier.

Participants will randomly be assigned to receive the combination study drug, or long-acting beta-agonist only, or corticosteroid only, or placebo (inactive drug).

Individuals may qualify if they:

Have a diagnosis of moderate COPD
Have a history or risk of heart disease
Are between 40 and 80 years of age
Are a current or former cigarette smoker

Participants will receive, at no charge, the investigational drug(s) and/or placebo, as well as medical care and procedures required by the study that are in addition to usual care.

The study, involving 1,100 locatons, is expected to last three to four years.

For more information about the clinical research study, call Dr. Kevin Sherer at 541-706-3732.