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Connecting Care & Clinical Research: The Remington-Davis and COPC Partnership

A photo showing a patient taking part in a clinical trial for COPD designed to provide access to more treatment options

Clinical Trials for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments help manage COPD symptoms, but many adult COPD patients still experience exacerbations and declining pulmonary function amid disease progression. COPD clinical trials are helping to advance available treatment options and drive better outcomes.

Current treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is characterized by a persistent airflow limitation. Patients with COPD commonly experience respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic cough, and moderate or severe exacerbations— including acute exacerbations that may require emergency care or hospitalization.

The most common treatment for COPD symptoms is bronchodilator therapy. Bronchodilators are medications that work by relaxing airway muscles to improve airflow and provide relief.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are often used in conjunction with bronchodilators. The medical community has found some patients, especially those with a history of severe COPD exacerbations, respond best when bronchodilator therapy is combined with other add-on therapies.

 

Key focus areas in modern COPD clinical trials

  • Biologics
  • Inhalers
  • Combination Vaccines

Biologics

Biologics

Biologics are designed to target specific pathways in the immune system, offering personalized treatment options for patients who may not respond to conventional COPD therapies. Studies have shown the efficacy of biologics in reducing exacerbations and improving lung function in symptomatic COPD patients.

Inhalers

Inhalers

Inhaled therapy, whether administered as monotherapy or in combination formulations, remains a cornerstone of initial pharmacologic management for symptomatic patients with COPD. Evidence suggests that single-inhaler combination therapy may improve convenience, support adherence, and, in some cases, provide greater clinical benefit than the use of multiple separate inhalers. Some studies have also reported that select inhaled therapies may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with COPD.

Combination Vaccines

Combination Vaccines

COPD patients are at higher risk for complications from severe respiratory infections, including influenza, RSV, and pneumonia—a concern reinforced by the American Lung Association, which recommends that people with chronic respiratory conditions stay current on vaccinations. Clinical trials are investigating combination vaccines that offer broader protection in a single shot, which could improve vaccination rates and reduce COPD-related complications.

A physician reviews medical findings with a patient as part of an observational study

RDI’s experience in COPD clinical studies

With over 30 years of experience, Remington-Davis (RDI) is a trusted leader in COPD clinical research. As a research site and clinical trial management partner, we have successfully conducted 100+ COPD clinical trials, working closely with sponsors, CROs, and investigators to manage high-quality studies that fuel advancement.

Each study is led by an experienced principal investigator with deep expertise in pulmonary function and respiratory medicine, ensuring patients receive rigorous, expert oversight throughout their participation.

Backed by a patient-centric approach, we strive to make trial participation as comfortable and as convenient as possible. We offer flexible scheduling, transportation services, and a 7,500 square-foot facility equipped with at-home amenities like Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and more. It's variables like these that help us maintain a 97% patient retention rate.

At RDI, we are committed to advancing COPD research while fostering a supportive, patient-centered experience—because better trials mean better treatments for everyone. Be a part of our next medical breakthrough.

Be a part of our next COPD medical breakthrough.

Who can participate in a COPD clinical trial?

Mild, moderate, or severe COPD patients, including those with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, may qualify for clinical trials based on their medical history, current treatment plan, and disease severity. This includes patients currently receiving pulmonary rehabilitation or those whose condition has required critical care medicine or hospitalization.

Healthy volunteers are essential as well to ensure the clinical efficacy of new chronic obstructive lung disease therapies.

Frequently asked questions about clinical trials for COPD

How do COPD trials contribute to research on respiratory diseases?
COPD clinical trials play a role in advancing treatment options for respiratory diseases like biologics, while exploring the relationship between COPD and other conditions like pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease. These findings help improve therapies and patient outcomes.
Are all COPD clinical trials placebo-controlled studies?

Not all COPD clinical trials use a placebo-controlled study design. Some studies look at medications as add-on treatments and therapy. Many studies use a randomized controlled trial format, which means participants are randomly assigned to receive either the investigational treatment or a comparator, but the approach varies. Some trials compare a new treatment to a standard therapy, while others evaluate different drug combinations or disease management strategies. The type of study depends on the primary objective of the research study.

What are the different phases of COPD clinical trials?

COPD clinical trials progress through four phases to evaluate a treatment’s efficacy and safety, as well as its long-term impact. Phase I trials are small studies focused on determining a new drug’s safety, dosage, and potential side effects in humans. Phase II is where researchers assess its effectiveness and optimal dosing in a larger group of participants. Phase III studies are large-scale studies involving hundreds to thousands of COPD patients, comparing the investigational treatment to standard therapies or a placebo. Phase IV studies continue to track long-term safety and effectiveness in a broader population.

How do researchers measure whether a COPD treatment is working?

In clinical trials, efficacy is typically measured by looking at things like how often a participant experiences exacerbations, changes in lung function (often tested through a simple breathing test called spirometry), ability to exercise or perform daily physical activities, and how symptoms affect quality of life and overall well-being. Researchers track these health status measures over time to understand whether the investigational treatment is making a meaningful difference.

Can I join a COPD clinical trial if I've had a recent COPD exacerbation?

It depends on the specific study. Some trials are designed specifically for adult COPD patients who have experienced recent or frequent exacerbations, while others may require a stable period before enrollment. Our team will review a participant's full medical history during the screening process to determine which studies they may be eligible for.

A breathing treatment for COPD helps reduce trapped air and applies positive pressure to support native airways