About COPDGene Study

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States and affects the lives of over 15 million people. There are many risk factors for developing COPD with cigarette smoking being the most common. Though the development of COPD is often tied to cigarette smoking, genetic risk factors also seem to play an important role in whether or not a person will develop this disease. The goals of the COPDGene® Study are to discover what heritable or genetic factors contribute to the development of COPD in some people and to use this information to develop new therapeutic approaches to control this disease.
 
Currently it is known that the alpha1-antitrypsin genetic mutation can cause COPD. Many people who do not have this genetic mutation however can still develop COPD. COPDGene® has identified 24 new regions in the DNA sequence that are associated with developing COPD. By better understanding the genetic factors surrounding COPD, we hope to improve the quality of life for COPD patients through the development of new drugs and therapies, and possibly one day a cure.
 
The COPDGene® Study has 20 clinical sites throughout the United States. More than 10,000 subjects have been recruited to the COPDGene® Study. These subjects have provided clinical information and blood samples and have had a chest CT scan done.  The COPDGene® Study is directed by Dr. James Crapo of National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, and Dr. Edwin Silverman of Harvard University's Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Through continuing collaboration with physicians and researchers across the country, COPDGene® continues to expand and discover exciting new information on the development and progression of COPD.
 
Learn more about COPD
 
Study documents and research materials