Inhaler for Patients with COPD Being Tested at SIU Med School

Volunteers are being recruited by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield as part of a national study of a new inhaler delivery system, which is underway at 74 sites in the U.S. and Canada. The device is being evaluated for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Dr. Joseph Henkle, associate professor and chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at SIU, is directing the study in Springfield.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive but treatable lung disorder usually caused by cigarette smoking. Shortness of breath with activity and cough are common symptoms.

COPD affects more than 17 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. There are multiple treatments for COPD, including improved medications, surgery, oxygen and exercise.

Volunteers are being sought who are 40 years or older, ex-smokers or current smokers who have at least moderate COPD, and not using daytime oxygen. Each participant will receive a physical examination and other tests during five to six follow-up visits over a period of about four months in the SIU Pulmonary Clinic in Springfield. There is no charge to the volunteers for the tests and medications related to the study, which is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Results can be shared with the participant's personal physician, if a request is made.

Those interested in the study should call SIU's Division of Pulmonary Medicine weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at
217-545-0187.

- 30 -