St. Charles is seeking people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to participate in a nationwide clinical research study to test the long-term benefits of a new drug in reducing lung and heart complications.
COPD, which is usually caused by smoking, is a common lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
The study drug combines both a long-acting beta-agonist and a corticosteroid in a single inhaler in order to relax the airways in the lung, helping to make breathing easier. Participants will randomly be assigned to receive the combination study drug, or long-acting beta-agonist only, or corticosteroid only, or placebo (inactive drug).
Individuals may qualify if they:
· Have a diagnosis of moderate COPD
· Have a history or risk of heart disease
· Are between 40 and 80 years of age
· Are a current or former cigarette smoker
Participants will receive, at no charge, the investigational drug(s) and/or placebo, as well as medical care and procedures required by the study that are in addition to usual care. The study is expected to last three to four years.
For more information about the clinical research study, call Dr. Kevin Sherer at 541-706-3732.
About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras and Redmond, and leases and operates Pioneer Memorial Hospital. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 3,400 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities. Learn more atwww.stcharleshealthcare.org.
