Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition without a cure. It damages the airways and lungs, leading to debilitating breathlessness.
COPD covers a group of lung conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways.
COPD has a devastating impact. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, tightness in the chest and unusual tiredness. Patients struggle with basic daily activities such as getting out of bed, showering and walking. In 2019, it was estimated more than 390 million people worldwide were living with COPD and it was the third leading cause of death globally.
Total annual direct medical costs related to COPD in the United States are projected to be approximately $40 billion by 2038.
Symptoms patients with COPD experience are commonly treated with bronchodilators, to relieve airway constriction and make it easier to breathe, and corticosteroids, to reduce lung inflammation. However, despite the wide availability of therapies, a 2021 survey of 1,994 patients with COPD showed that 49% of patients report almost daily symptom impact. These patients require additional treatment options.
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