COPD Clinical Trials
COPD Trials at a Glance
283 actively recruiting trials for copd are listed on ClinicalTrialsFinder across 6 cities in 58 countries. The largest study group is Not Applicable with 124 trials, with the heaviest enrollment activity in Birmingham, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. Lead sponsors running copd studies include AstraZeneca, VA Office of Research and Development, and Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA.
Browse copd trials by phase
Top cities for copd trials
Treatments under study
Understanding COPD Clinical Trials
Triple therapy inhalers combining an inhaled corticosteroid, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, and a long-acting beta-agonist — such as fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (Trelegy Ellipta), validated through clinical trials including the landmark IMPACT study — demonstrated significant reductions in COPD exacerbations and, notably, a reduction in all-cause mortality compared to dual therapy. More recently, dupilumab (Dupixent) made headlines in 2023 when clinical trial results showed it reduced exacerbations by 30% in patients with COPD and elevated eosinophil counts, marking the first biologic therapy to show benefit in this disease. COPD affects over 380 million people worldwide, and clinical trials are the pathway to addressing the enormous unmet needs that remain in treatment, prevention, and disease modification.
Why Consider a Clinical Trial?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COPD clinical trials
Yes. Many COPD trials accept patients on supplemental oxygen, though eligibility may depend on the amount of oxygen you require and your overall functional status. Some trials specifically enroll patients with severe COPD who use oxygen. Your oxygen requirements will be factored into the safety monitoring plan.
Requirements vary by trial. Some trials require that you have quit smoking for a defined period (often at least six months), while others accept current smokers. Smoking status can affect drug metabolism and study outcomes, so it is typically documented carefully. Some trials also include smoking cessation support as part of the study.
COPD and asthma trials differ in the patient populations enrolled, endpoints measured, and treatments studied. COPD trials focus on preventing exacerbations and slowing lung function decline in patients with irreversible airflow obstruction, while asthma trials focus on reversible airway obstruction and inflammation control. Some patients have features of both diseases and may qualify for asthma-COPD overlap trials.
Yes. Emphysema-specific trials include bronchoscopic lung volume reduction procedures using valves or coils, trials studying alpha-1 antitrypsin augmentation therapy, and emerging regenerative approaches. CT scan imaging is typically required during screening to characterize the type and distribution of emphysema for these trials.
COPD trials often run longer than trials for some other conditions because exacerbation reduction and lung function decline need to be measured over time. Treatment phases commonly last 24 to 52 weeks, with some extending to two years. Follow-up assessments may continue beyond the active treatment period.
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