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COPDGeneTM

Why Do Some Smokers Develop Lung Disease and Others Don’t?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD 

A RESEARCH STUDY

COPDGeneTM has the support of various patient groups, including the COPD Foundation. 

Latest Study News

     We are looking for current and former cigarette smokers to participate in this study. IN order to determine risk factors for developing COPD, we need to study people with and without COPD.

     Only a minority of smokers develop Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a disease largely caused by cigarette smoke. COPD makes it hard to breath and includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and airway disease (damage of the air passages). We want to learn why some smokers get COPD and others do not.

Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

COPDGeneTM Study Coordinator
1124 W. Carson St., Building J4
Torrance, CA 90502

(310) 222-8200

COPDGeneTM is a research study being conducted by a group of doctors and scientists throughout the United States. We plan to enroll over 10,000 people to find inherited factors that make some people more likely to develop COPD.

COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and causes serious long­term disability.

Key Questions About the
COPD GeneTM Research Study

Why is it important to understand the genetics of COPD?

Much of what we know about the genetics of COPD has come from a relatively rare inherited disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

By identifying other inherited factors, we will better understand the other causes of COPD. This improved understanding will lead to better treatments for COPD.

Avoiding tobacco smoke will always be the most important way to prevent COPD, but for the millions of Americans who already have COPD, additional research is urgently needed.

What is unique about the study?

There are many unique aspects to this study:

  •  It is the largest study ever of the causes of COPD: We will enroll 6000 people with COPD and 4500 current or former smokers without COPD.

  • State of the art x-ray CT scans of the chest will be performed.

  • A comprehensive search for genetic differences.

  • This is one of the first studies of COPD to include a large percentage of African American participants.

  • People with very mild to very severe COPD will be included.

Who is funding the study?

This study is funded by a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Will research information be kept confidential?

We will use state-of-the-art security measures to keep individual identity information confidential.

How long does it take to participate in the COPDGeneTM research study?

One to two visits at a clinical center last in total about three to four hours, and include breathing tests, questionnaires, blood samples, and a chest CT Scan.

Who is involved with this study?

This study involves many leading medical centers. In order to make it easier for people to participate, clinical centers are located throughout the country.

Will I be compensated for my participation?

Modest compensation for your time and inconvenience will be provided.

Am I Eligible for the
COPD GeneTM Research Study?

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

  • A current or former smoker

  • Between 45 and 80 years of age

  • Non-Hispanic white or African American

You are not eligible if:

  • You are pregnant

  • You have a respiratory disorder other than COPD

  • Your close relative is already in the study

How Do I Get Into the
COPD GeneTM Research Study?

 

If you meet the eligibility criteria
and would like to participate in this
research study, please call:

 

(310) 222-8200

or e-mail us

 

Download the study brochure (PDF)

 

More information about this research study is available at:

www.COPDGene.org

COPD Foundation

1-866-316-COPD (2673)

 

  © LABIOMED Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center (2009)