Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition that makes breathing progressively harder, usually from smoking or air pollution damage. It affects about 16 million Americans. Treatment centers on bronchodilators to open airways, steroids to reduce inflammation, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new inhaled drugs that target specific inflammation pathways, biologics that block proteins driving COPD flares, and combinations that may work better than current triple therapy. Researchers are also studying lung regeneration approaches, earlier intervention in people at risk, and treatments for the anxiety and muscle wasting that often accompany severe COPD.
Anti-inflammatory biologics
Drugs like dupilumab, already approved for asthma, are being tested in COPD patients with high eosinophil counts. Early results suggest they may reduce flare-ups in this subset of patients.
Lung repair studies
Several trials are exploring whether stem cells or growth factors can regenerate damaged lung tissue. The goal is to reverse some of the structural damage rather than just managing symptoms.
Early intervention
Studies are testing whether treating people with smoking damage but not yet full COPD can prevent disease progression. This could shift care from late-stage management to prevention.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on lung function test results, smoking history, frequency of flare-ups, and whether you have certain inflammation markers in your blood.
What types of trials are currently open
- Inhaler trials — Testing new bronchodilators, steroids, or combination inhalers to see if they reduce symptoms and flare-ups better than current options.
- Biologic trials — Testing injectable drugs that target specific inflammation proteins, often in people whose COPD has features of asthma-like inflammation.
- Rehabilitation studies — Testing exercise programs, breathing techniques, and muscle-building interventions to improve quality of life and physical function.
- Oxygen and device trials — Testing new oxygen delivery systems, portable concentrators, or non-invasive ventilation devices for people with severe COPD.
- Prevention trials — Testing whether early treatment in smokers with mild airway damage can prevent progression to full COPD.
Recently added COPD trials
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Active Health Cohort Study
This is a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study. Study participants will first be enrolled into the general population main cohort, and some eligible subjects will be invited to participate in a validation study for the consistency of estimated VO₂max. The overall study consists of the establishment of the main cohort and three major research modules: cardiovascular endpoint risk prediction, early warning of exercise-related cardiovascular event risk, and health reminder and behavioral feedback. In addition, a substudy is designed to enroll 300 patients with stable metabolic cardiovascular disease, aiming to verify the consistency between wearable-device-estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and the gold standard of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), so as to evaluate the applicability and error structure of the device-estimated parameters in clinical populations.
Chronic Respiratory Disease Participant Engagement Study
This study is designed for adults who have, or suspected to have, a long-term respiratory (lung) condition such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis, or interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aim of the study is to help participants become familiar with the clinical trials unit environment and research team before deciding whether they would like to take part in future clinical trials. Participants will attend a study visit at the clinical trials unit, where they will receive a guided tour of the facilities and undergo a range of routine health assessments. These may include a review of their medical history, measurements of height, weight, blood pressure and oxygen levels, breathing tests, blood tests, heart tracing (ECG), liver assessment, and questionnaires about their symptoms and quality of life. Some participants may also undergo genetic testing if it is clinically appropriate and previous results are not available. The information collected will help establish a clinical baseline and improve understanding of how respiratory diseases affect people in everyday life. The study will also explore how symptoms and quality of life relate to clinical measurements and other health information. Participants will be contacted after their visit to discuss any clinically relevant findings and to answer any questions they may have. If a previously unrecognised condition is identified, participants will be advised appropriately and, with their consent, their GP may be informed to support any further care that may be needed. The findings from this study may help improve the design of future clinical trials and support the development of more patient-centred research.
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