PRE-TREAT: A clinical trial exploring if a combination inhaler prevents early lung changes from developing into full chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a severe condition causing millions of deaths annually, with late diagnosis and progressive lung damage making current treatments only symptomatic. The trial focuses on the pre-COPD phase, a critical period when lung function begins to decline but before permanent damage occurs, offering an opportunity for intervention. Inhaled Triple Therapy (fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol) may slow lung function decline and prevent progression to COPD. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will involve 500 participants from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS) to evaluate the therapy's effectiveness and cost efficiency. If successful, this groundbreaking study could shift COPD management to prevention, reduce its global burden, and lay the foundation for future research and drug development.