News
COPDGene study recruits 3,000th subject for huge national study of genetic factors in lung disease
The “COPDGene” study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease recruited its 3,000 subject Thursday, the lead researchers said today.
Investigators say the study is “the most comprehensive study of COPD ever undertaken.” The study seeks to identify the genetic, epidemiological and radiological characteristics of COPD, with a long-term goal of better understanding the disease and finding more effective treatments.
Co-principal investigators of the study are Edwin K. Silverman, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, and James Crapo, MD, professor of medicine at National Jewish Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.
Silverman is a member of the Alpha-1 Foundation board of directors. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, the most common known risk factor for COPD, is among the genetic conditions for which study subjects are being screened.
“A full-scale evaluation of the first quarter of our cohort is now
underway, and the first component of our genome-wide analysis
will be launched shortly,” the lead investigators said in a press release today.
They said a data set on this initial information will be available to all COPDGene® investigators within a few weeks.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded a $37 million grant for the study which involves multiple institutions across the United States.
Investigators said recruitment of volunteers for the study has accelerated despite winter holidays and cold weather. The five-year study ultimately aims to recruit 10,500 subjects.
The COPD Foundation’s COPD Research Registry is recruiting subjects for the study.
