New hope for COPD sufferers thanks to Leicester patients

An incredible 238 patients have now taken part in a clinical trial at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), offering hope for new treatments for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  

COPD is a devastating long-term condition that affects the lungs with symptoms including shortness of breath and frequent chest infections.  It affects an estimated 1.2 million people in the UK and is responsible for around 30,000 deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of death in the country. 

The condition often gets worse over time, and many people with COPD experience sudden flare-ups or ‘exacerbations’ that make their breathing even more difficult. These flare-ups can be serious enough to require emergency care or hospitalisation. 

The COPD-HELP study, led by Honorary Consultant Physician at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Dr Neil Greening, and Clinical Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Leicester, Chris Brightling, is investigating whether a certain medicine can help prevent these flare-ups.

Dr Neil Greening explained: “In this trial we’ve been testing a medicine which works by reducing inflammation, or swelling, in the lungs. Our goal is to see if it can help reduce the need for future hospital visits and improve patients’ overall quality of life. 

“We invited patients who had been hospitalised due to COPD flare-ups to take part in the study, as we know they’re at high risk of this happening again. We were delighted that 238 patients chose to take part, helping us test the effectiveness of this medicine.” 

The medicine was given by injection once a month. The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which means that some participants received the real medicine, while others received a placebo.  

Judith, one of the study’s participants, shared her experience living with COPD and taking part in the trial. She said: “COPD can be terrible. Sometimes I can’t even move around my house because I struggle to breathe. 

“When I was hospitalised, the research doctor asked if I’d join the trial, and I thought, why not? If I can help someone else, I’m all for it.” 

Judith’s involvement required her to visit the hospital monthly for the injections and routine health checks, including measurement of her blood pressure and heart rate. “The hospital team were fantastic, and the injections were painless,” she explained. “The best part was knowing I was helping with research that might make a difference for other people with COPD in the future.” 

Dr Hamish McAuley, Academic Clinical Lecturer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, added: “We’re hopeful that the study’s findings, to be published next year, will lead to new treatment options for COPD patients worldwide. If successful, this medicine could become an important tool in reducing the frequency of COPD flare-ups and lowering the need for hospital admissions.” 

COPD places a considerable economic strain on the NHS, with current healthcare costs estimated at around £2 billion annually. Given projections of a 40% increase in COPD prevalence by 2030, healthcare resources will face heightened demand, further amplifying the pressure on the NHS. This study could be a major step forward in improving care for COPD patients. 

For more information about the COPD HELP Study and upcoming publications, please visit the NIHR Leicester BRC website.

The NIHR Leicester BRC is part of the NIHR and hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in partnership with the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.