Keeping our lungs in good condition is integral to our future health and wellbeing. For patients with challenging respiratory conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), several factors contribute to a sustained decline in lung function. These factors include COPD exacerbations – flare-ups of symptoms which can be distressing and sometimes lead to hospitalisations. However, exacerbations are treatable and potentially preventable.
\nBuilding on 50 years of research in the field of respiratory disease, GSK scientists continue to challenge themselves to develop new ways to improve the lives of patients.
\nHere, David Lipson, VP, Respiratory Disease Area Lead and Chris Compton, VP and Medical Affairs Lead, General Medicines Therapy Area, speak about the innovative approaches they are taking to mitigate the risk of exacerbation, and manage COPD.
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"type":"rich-text","text":"David Lipson: “COPD is an insidious, progressive disease which is often diagnosed too late to prevent significant lung damage. As always, our approach has been data-led. The three-year GSK ECLIPSE study, which sought to better understand the risks of repeated exacerbations, included over 2,000 patients. It showed us that keeping those living with COPD stable and controlled had a positive effect on the risk of continued exacerbations requiring hospitalisation. This was also the first research of its kind to definitively conclude that one COPD exacerbation increases the risk of similar future episodes.
\n“We also developed a much deeper understanding of the individual characteristics of patients. From the findings of our own investigations, we’ve championed the concept of holistic COPD management – highlighting the benefits of vaccines and other pharmacologic therapies as well as important lifestyle adaptations, including smoking cessation.
\n“A relatively recent trend of advanced modelling using artificial intelligence to analyse thousands of patient CT images is already helping us define the individual characteristics of COPD patients, so therapy and future clinical trials can be personalised.”
\nDL: “Every COPD patient is unique and affected by the condition in different ways. Instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, we need to tailor treatments and support to the specific needs of the individual.
“At GSK, we’re working with respiratory experts to examine the evidence for a ‘Treatable Traits’ approach to the management of respiratory conditions. This involves considering certain factors – or traits – a person may exhibit, including lifestyle, disease characteristics, comorbidities or having other concurrent medical conditions, and disease markers including levels of eosinophils – a type of white blood cell, which can cause inflammation in the airways. This type of assessment allows physicians to identify the most appropriate intervention for each patient.”
DL: “We know up to 40-50 per cent of patients continue to experience exacerbations despite maintenance therapies, meaning there’s a significant unmet need. Early diagnosis is critical for getting patients on the right treatment pathway. Supporting routine spirometry, which is a common test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much and how quickly you inhale and exhale air, and lung function testing, is particularly important to ensure we identify patients and then provide them with quality therapies, tailored to their personal needs.
\n“We are also proud to collaborate with patient associations and professional societies to understand patient need and partner on better diagnosis and treatment strategies. Identifying patients with COPD in the first place is key.”
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"type":"rich-text","text":"Chris Compton: “Over 384 million people globally are diagnosed with COPD. Several processes are known to cause the airways to become narrow, including destruction of part of the lungs, a build-up of mucus, and inflammation or swelling of the airway lining. The result is a variety of COPD symptoms, including breathlessness and a chronic cough, often with phlegm and tiredness. A high number of patients experience exacerbations, or flare-ups, which are a worsening of symptoms beyond normal day-to-day ups and downs. While COPD exacerbations are often caused by a respiratory infection, there are other contributing factors, including smoking, air pollution, severe airflow limitation, existing comorbidities and a history of prior exacerbations.\"
\nCC: “Evidence shows us that exacerbations accelerate the decline in lung function that characterises COPD, resulting in reduced physical activity, poorer quality of life, and an increased risk of death in more severe cases. Each time a COPD exacerbation occurs, it may leave behind permanent, irreversible lung damage, making it harder for patients to breathe and increasing the likelihood of worsening symptoms in the future. While everyone experiences exacerbations differently, preventing this spiral of disease progression is vitally important for improving COPD outcomes, including survival.
\n“Around 1 in 5 COPD patients who experience an exacerbation require hospitalisation. Significantly, many people who end up in hospital are readmitted following release. COPD therefore represents a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems around the world, as well as a resource burden for already overcrowded hospitals. Reducing exacerbations is fundamental to lowering the healthcare costs attributable to COPD, alongside improving lung function and wellbeing.”
\nCC: “One of the most important ways to prevent an exacerbation is by ensuring those with a COPD diagnosis are regularly assessed for their risk factors for exacerbatons and to make sure they are on the right management plan, including being up-to-date with their vaccinations. Acquired infections can make it more difficult to breathe and cause further damage to lung tissue. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommends several vaccines (PDF - 330KB), including those for flu, coronavirus, pertussis, pneumococcal, and zoster vaccines as part of the overall management for adults with COPD.
\n“We’re looking at other viruses that can cause exacerbation, for example, the common cold virus. We’re also looking at potential new therapies that could be given when symptoms first occur to prevent that virus from taking hold and leading to worse outcomes.
\n“Data suggest that even with escalating problems, people with COPD are often reluctant to share a worsening of their symptoms with their doctor, again impacting the chance for them to be appropriately treated. This is why we place an emphasis on bridging communication gaps between patients, doctors and caregivers, so that information about how the disease affects daily life is shared, and the disease can be more effectively managed to reduce risk of exacerbation or even death.”
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"type":"rich-text","text":"Further reading
\n[1] Vestbo. J, Anderson. W, Coxson. HO, et al. (2008) Evaluation of COPD longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points (ECLIPSE). European Respiratory Journal. Available at: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/31/4/869 [Last accessed: November 2022]
\n[2] Rebordosa. C, Plana. E, Aguado. J. et al. (2018) GOLD assessment of COPD severity in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pds.4448 [Last accessed: November 2022]
\n[3] GOLD. (2022) Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2022 Report. Available at: https://goldcopd.org/2022-gold-reports-2/ [Last accessed: November 2022]
\n[4] World Health Organization. (2022) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease fact sheet. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs315/en/ [Last accessed: November 2022]
\n[5] Viniol. C, Vogelmeier. C. (2018) Exacerbations of COPD. European Respiratory Review. Available at: https://err.ersjournals.com/content/27/147/170103 [Last accessed November 2022]
\n[6] Hurst. JR, Vestbo. J, Anzueto. A, et al. (2010) Susceptibility to exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The New England Journal of Medicine. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0909883 [Last accessed: November 2022]
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"type":"varied-signpost-grid","title":"","layoutPattern":4,"pages":[{"title":"Following the science of oxygen to discover solutions for anaemia","content":"Targeting certain treatable traits an individual may exhibit could have a significant impact on their quality of life","image":{"src":"/media/3d0hvcjz/stvg_2_2022_smtlab_12_hess.jpeg?rxy=0.51166666666666671,0.4775&width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eb93d95630&hmac=5a1b6f0b74fa70ef03a177f28b7bdc2651a3ee32dd3df0fa7e73ecb2cfcb0f70","alt":"R&D scientist with multi-pipette in R&D smart lab.","darkModeSrc":"/media/3d0hvcjz/stvg_2_2022_smtlab_12_hess.jpeg?rxy=0.51166666666666671,0.4775&width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2eb93d95630&hmac=84d0752ffd92c57cb53f20f20459576fa1883aedd273048602f5f302148598ea"},"link":{"text":"Following the science of oxygen to discover solutions for anaemia","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/following-the-science-of-oxygen-to-discover-solutions-for-anaemia/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"title":"Targeting treatable traits in asthma and other respiratory conditions","content":"Targeting certain treatable traits an individual may exhibit could have a significant impact on their quality of life","image":{"src":"/media/lqzlntiy/ware_3_2022_prodqc_18_hess-1920x1080px.jpeg?rxy=0.63166666666666671,0.35&width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eb92775530&hmac=2cc381957c577baa6c9cf151c7e3b2c51b9583420ae9ba8864e81da1c1603b53","alt":"Lab workers collaborating","darkModeSrc":"/media/lqzlntiy/ware_3_2022_prodqc_18_hess-1920x1080px.jpeg?rxy=0.63166666666666671,0.35&width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2eb92775530&hmac=6bf96d124c514f367951f5786907553d7d36ddf8935ad390febcd7763f21b14f"},"link":{"text":"Targeting treatable traits in asthma and other respiratory conditions","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/targeting-treatable-traits-in-asthma-and-other-respiratory-conditions/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"title":"The logic of biologic medicines: advancing care for people with immune-mediated conditions ","content":"Biologic medicines are evolving what treatment can potentially achieve for the millions affected by immune-mediated conditions.","image":{"src":"/media/leijqyji/scientist-ware-racky.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eba2eeb9d0&hmac=a6cc08b581083ba1a740fa522e3cddce1e0bb947c9cec0afbcf58580707abbd7","alt":"GSK scientist works in a laboratory in the UK","darkModeSrc":"/media/leijqyji/scientist-ware-racky.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2eba2eeb9d0&hmac=8db9e47f3d5b5eda29287364ebc1b192ae0c1b1676be818fa2cc8b900d892471"},"link":{"text":"The logic of biologic medicines","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/the-logic-of-biologic-medicines/","openInNewWindowText":null}}],"hidePageDescription":false,"useGreyBackground":false}]},"id":6383,"docCheckLogout":null,"pageType":"magazinePage","languageCode":"en-GB","theme":"light","breadcrumb":{"ariaLabel":"Breadcrumb","links":[{"text":"Home","href":"/en-gb/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Behind the Science magazine","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Getting ahead of COPD exacerbations using new tech could save lives ","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology/","openInNewWindowText":null}]},"pageName":"Getting ahead of COPD exacerbations using new tech could save lives ","topNav":{"homeLink":{"text":"GSK Homepage","href":"/en-gb/","openInNewWindowText":null},"topBar":{"currentLocation":{"isGlobal":true,"text":"Global"},"languageSelector":{"currentLanguage":null,"currentLanguageMobile":null,"selectableLanguages":[]},"darkModeSwitch":{"text":"Dark mode","tooltipText":"Switch to dark mode to head towards a more sustainable world together. More info
"},"globalSiteLink":null,"locationSelector":{"text":"Change location","href":"/en-gb/locations/","openInNewWindowText":null},"healthCareLink":{"text":"Healthcare professionals","href":"https://www.gskpro.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"contactUs":{"text":"Contact us","href":"/en-gb/contact-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},"search":"Search","backToMain":"Back to main","menu":"Menu","closeMenu":"Close menu","animationsToggleModel":{"enable":true,"activeText":"Pause video","inactiveText":"Play video"}},"nodes":[{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":true,"title":"Behind the Science magazine","url":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","nodes":[],"isActive":true,"promos":[]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Company","url":"/en-gb/company/","nodes":[{"title":"Purpose, strategy and culture","url":"/en-gb/company/purpose-strategy-and-culture/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"GSK at a glance","url":"/en-gb/company/gsk-at-a-glance/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"History and heritage","url":"/en-gb/company/history-and-heritage/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Board of Directors and Executive Committee","url":"/en-gb/company/board-of-directors-and-leadership-team/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Board information","url":"/en-gb/company/board-information/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Governance","url":"/en-gb/company/governance/","nodes":[{"title":"Committees","url":"/en-gb/company/governance/committees/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Shareholders","url":"/en-gb/company/governance/shareholders/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002","url":"/en-gb/company/governance/sarbanes-oxley-act-2002/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Compliance","url":"/en-gb/company/governance/compliance/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Policy positions","url":"/en-gb/company/policy-positions/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Codes, standards and reports","url":"/en-gb/company/codes-standards-and-reports/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Our purpose, strategy and culture","image":{"src":"/media/vvwddvsg/gsk_tech_human_image_6k.jpg?rxy=0.56833333333333336,0.30177514792899407&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ec0bc1e680&hmac=13d78c5b371b5e09f560d958dfb6a3b8cb27a35b1578669ba061acc1b12273dd","alt":"GSK Tech Human Image","darkModeSrc":"/media/vvwddvsg/gsk_tech_human_image_6k.jpg?rxy=0.56833333333333336,0.30177514792899407&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ec0bc1e680&hmac=7971e77f08fa2cbbfcb2e6dff5010e3d9c37f8561060dfbcdc7ec38ac7e5f314"},"link":{"text":"FEATURED SECTION","href":"/en-gb/company/purpose-strategy-and-culture/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Outstanding people","image":{"src":"/media/kgwp0dc5/sddefault-2.jpg?rxy=0.425,0.51807228915662651&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eba773f3d0&hmac=9e8e9da5bd3ca0619cfd47c6274f5ecbae61a5b73808bbd57b4fdffa469f2037","alt":"Angeles sitting on a sofa in a pink shirt","darkModeSrc":"/media/kgwp0dc5/sddefault-2.jpg?rxy=0.425,0.51807228915662651&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2eba773f3d0&hmac=25f6331ff89b8ea1f896e23e1cc935cee241b346efb1b08bd5aa5b5aa0d4e09c"},"link":{"text":"FEATURED SECTION","href":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/","openInNewWindowText":null}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Innovation","url":"/en-gb/innovation/","nodes":[{"title":"Our leading scientists","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/","nodes":[{"title":"Dr Tony Wood","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/tony-wood/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dr Sabine Luik","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/sabine-luik/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dr Hesham Ahmed Abdullah","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/hesham-abdullah/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dr Kaivan Khavandi","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/kaivan-khavandi/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dr Christopher Austin","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/dr-christopher-austin/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Charlotte Allerton","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/charlotte-allerton/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dr Sanjay Gurunathan","url":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/dr-sanjay-gurunathan/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Research and development approach","url":"/en-gb/innovation/research-and-development-approach/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Pipeline","url":"/en-gb/innovation/pipeline/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Therapeutic areas","url":"/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/","nodes":[{"title":"Respiratory, immunology and inflammation","url":"/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/respiratory-immunology-and-inflammation/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Oncology","url":"/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/oncology/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"HIV","url":"/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/hiv/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Infectious diseases","url":"/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/infectious-diseases/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Tech","url":"/en-gb/innovation/technologies/","nodes":[{"title":"Post-quantum cryptography","url":"/en-gb/innovation/technologies/post-quantum-cryptography/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Clinical trials at GSK","url":"/en-gb/innovation/trials/","nodes":[{"title":"Provision of unapproved medicines for unmet medical needs","url":"/en-gb/innovation/trials/provision-of-unlicensed-medicines-for-unmet-medical-needs/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Data transparency","url":"/en-gb/innovation/trials/data-transparency/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Representative clinical studies","url":"/en-gb/innovation/trials/representative-clinical-studies/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Partnering with GSK","url":"/en-gb/innovation/partnerships/","nodes":[{"title":"Supported studies","url":"/en-gb/innovation/partnerships/supported-studies/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"R&D locations","url":"/en-gb/innovation/rd-locations/","nodes":[{"title":"Flagship R&D centre in Cambridge, UK","url":"/en-gb/innovation/rd-locations/flagship-rd-centre-in-cambridge-uk/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Behind the science magazine","image":{"src":"/media/ukvllwft/vaccine-manufacturing-production-line-2.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebb585f130&hmac=c3e21840aa4184183d7a56b6b9e51c276f4c0cfa99faddf0b2e96abade984999","alt":"Scientist works in a futurist vaccine laboratory for GSK","darkModeSrc":"/media/ukvllwft/vaccine-manufacturing-production-line-2.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebb585f130&hmac=1ee1d1cba0cbe920daab92982b410dfd5be6b812ffb18d46bc5a1b15dc8ea9e4"},"link":{"text":"SPOTLIGHT ON","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Our leading scientists","image":{"src":"/media/45khexa4/tony-16x9.jpg?rxy=0.5733215608441357,0.39891812701082546&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dc651e856734f0&hmac=89240d0220a7a43a3ae9394fb29afbab3cb4192dc9283cc81575d646ff2c2d97","alt":"Tony Wood","darkModeSrc":"/media/45khexa4/tony-16x9.jpg?rxy=0.5733215608441357,0.39891812701082546&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dc651e856734f0&hmac=aa2617bc227baad2755a0fb9ad1fbe695d7cd6bbae99b54a174e6ece08ac6f3f"},"link":{"text":"Featured section","href":"/en-gb/innovation/our-leading-scientists/","openInNewWindowText":null}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Products","url":"/en-gb/products/","nodes":[{"title":"Product areas","url":"/en-gb/products/our-product-areas/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Products A-Z","url":"/en-gb/products/products-a-z/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Innovation","image":{"src":"/media/jxkd3fld/web03-header-stvg_2_2022_port_5_hess_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebbe22d650&hmac=7e7c4f7e55d1c5f8195a127fe9f281066fa29131749b341d38ddb0d073a8c08e","alt":"Lab technician leaning against wall","darkModeSrc":"/media/jxkd3fld/web03-header-stvg_2_2022_port_5_hess_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebbe22d650&hmac=a094b899394c4bc9edc97886a222232920b438f99f396aadeb7e3b2848f7ee89"},"link":{"text":"SPOTLIGHT ON","href":"/en-gb/innovation/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"GSKPro for healthcare professionals ","image":{"src":"/media/xpibjmpq/navthumb_stvg_03_2022_port_32_eagle_orange-1.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebbe35c210&hmac=2075d37c23b475f2bc9ac77a07adcafcd381777fce6f7d574009e72fff69ff1f","alt":"Two scientists on orange background","darkModeSrc":"/media/xpibjmpq/navthumb_stvg_03_2022_port_32_eagle_orange-1.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebbe35c210&hmac=e50f7e49e96007544857017de5b32764327c6f3fd6d677c14972001d3b9771c4"},"link":{"text":"FEATURED WEBSITE","href":"https://gskpro.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":true,"title":"Responsibility","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/","nodes":[{"title":"Access","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/access/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Global health and health security","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/","nodes":[{"title":"Global health","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/global-health/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Health security","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/health-security/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Using our science for global health","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/using-our-science-for-global-health/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Improving access to healthcare","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/improving-access-to-healthcare/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Africa Open Lab","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/africa-open-lab/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Environment","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/","nodes":[{"title":"Climate","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/climate/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Freshwater","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/freshwater/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Land","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/land/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Oceans","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/oceans/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Materials and waste","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/materials-and-waste/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Health system sustainability","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/environment/health-system-sustainability/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Inclusion","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/inclusion/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Ethical standards","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/","nodes":[{"title":"Working with third parties","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/working-with-third-parties/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Public policy and patient advocacy","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/public-policy-and-patient-advocacy/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Human rights","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/human-rights/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Use of animals","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/use-of-animals/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Engaging with healthcare professionals","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/engaging-with-healthcare-professionals/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Product governance","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/product-governance/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Grants and donations","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/grants-and-donations/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Charitable investments ","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/charitable-investments/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Responsibility reports","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/responsibility-reports/","nodes":[{"title":"Reports archive","url":"/en-gb/responsibility/responsibility-reports/responsibility-reports-archive/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Inclusion","image":{"src":"/media/2u2dowa1/web16-header-stvg_2_2022_port_13_hess_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebc1b88030&hmac=12ac7ded8bd7ab6e4665214fcc035ed44c079abcb2fbda20ea2220be73c1f12e","alt":"Lab technician smiling","darkModeSrc":"/media/2u2dowa1/web16-header-stvg_2_2022_port_13_hess_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebc1b88030&hmac=a50405e6d858c131f8bc642c26ae3a9fb06154803458a748320a0ff3ec9c7e2f"},"link":{"text":"FEATURED SECTION","href":"/en-gb/responsibility/inclusion/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Our policy positions","image":{"src":"/media/110ltmz5/gsk_texture_fluid_03_a_cmyk_web-size_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebbe9b61b0&hmac=9e323e7d55541fa849cbe984c44f8a60da1e99fe2119d3c3fb9efb2dda7b58a8","alt":"GSK orange texture","darkModeSrc":"/media/110ltmz5/gsk_texture_fluid_03_a_cmyk_web-size_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebbe9b61b0&hmac=322065363b28083d211d5e68d0cffdbb01a506045f8e286c0284e908ea0a5805"},"link":{"text":"SPOTLIGHT ON","href":"/en-gb/company/policy-positions/","openInNewWindowText":null}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Investors","url":"/en-gb/investors/","nodes":[{"title":"Why invest in GSK?","url":"/en-gb/investors/why-invest-in-gsk/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Quarterly results","url":"/en-gb/investors/quarterly-results/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Financial reports","url":"/en-gb/investors/financial-reports/","nodes":[{"title":"Annual Report 2025","url":"/en-gb/investors/financial-reports/annual-report-2025/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Corporate reports archive","url":"/en-gb/investors/financial-reports/corporate-reports-archive/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Responsible business","url":"/en-gb/investors/responsible-business/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Speeches and presentations","url":"/en-gb/investors/speeches-and-presentations/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Science publications","url":"/en-gb/investors/science-publications/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Events calendar","url":"/en-gb/investors/events-calendar/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dividend and share price","url":"/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/","nodes":[{"title":"GSK share price","url":"/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/gsk-share-price/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Share price calculators (GBp/USD)","url":"/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/share-price-calculators-gbpusd/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dividend calculators (GBp/USD)","url":"/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/dividend-calculators-gbpusd/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Dividend calendar","url":"/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/dividend-calendar/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Analyst consensus","url":"/en-gb/investors/analyst-consensus/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Stock exchange announcements","url":"/en-gb/investors/stock-exchange-announcements/","nodes":[{"title":"London (RNS)","url":"/en-gb/investors/stock-exchange-announcements/london-rns/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"London (RNS) inside information","url":"/en-gb/investors/stock-exchange-announcements/london-rns-inside-information/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"New York (SEC)","url":"/en-gb/investors/stock-exchange-announcements/new-york-sec/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Sign up for announcements","url":"/en-gb/investors/stock-exchange-announcements/sign-up-for-announcements/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Shareholder information","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/","nodes":[{"title":"Manage your shares","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/manage-your-shares/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Annual General Meeting","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/annual-general-meeting/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"General Meeting","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/general-meeting/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Annual Governance Meeting","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/annual-governance-meeting/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Corporate sponsored nominee service","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/corporate-sponsored-nominee-service/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Our ADR programme","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/adr-programme/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Asset reunification - Georgeson ","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/asset-reunification-georgeson/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Share scam alert","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/share-scam-alert/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Privacy notice for ordinary shareholders","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/privacy-notice-for-ordinary-shareholders/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"FAQs","url":"/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/shareholder-faqs/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Corporate actions","url":"/en-gb/investors/corporate-actions/","nodes":[{"title":"Consumer Healthcare Demerger","url":"/en-gb/investors/corporate-actions/consumer-healthcare-demerger/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Consumer Healthcare Joint Venture","url":"/en-gb/investors/corporate-actions/consumer-healthcare-joint-venture/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Agreement to acquire TESARO","url":"/en-gb/investors/corporate-actions/agreement-to-acquire-tesaro/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Debt investors","url":"/en-gb/investors/debt-investors/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Investor contacts","url":"/en-gb/investors/investor-contacts/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Press releases","image":{"src":"/media/hb1dfygw/ware_3_2022_prodassmb_28_hess_nav.jpeg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebc6f12bb0&hmac=f3dda3c7bd6599a1c2f05133bb899c647be6962b177d4b772cd87d676c8a7d94","alt":"Lab machinery","darkModeSrc":"/media/hb1dfygw/ware_3_2022_prodassmb_28_hess_nav.jpeg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebc6f12bb0&hmac=39e1b2702e8059aa94f14c98a803dbe514bde3cb0ae2d3d2fd23a6e78c938b52"},"link":{"text":"SPOTLIGHT ON","href":"/en-gb/media/press-releases/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Our pipeline","image":{"src":"/media/2kyan0vw/ware_3_2022_prodqc_14_hess.jpeg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebc701f490&hmac=bf2488fd39b58115ffca972c3b022be99778cb82fc5a894714dd3d84863ed736","alt":"Case of vials","darkModeSrc":"/media/2kyan0vw/ware_3_2022_prodqc_14_hess.jpeg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebc701f490&hmac=31c09472f1b12264f8141bef8b943a0354c076daf5ec330cb2322259c29365b9"},"link":{"text":"SPOTLIGHT ON","href":"/en-gb/innovation/pipeline/","openInNewWindowText":null}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Media","url":"/en-gb/media/","nodes":[{"title":"Press releases","url":"/en-gb/media/press-releases/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Media contacts","url":"/en-gb/media/media-contacts/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Media statements","url":"/en-gb/media/media-statements/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Media library","url":"/en-gb/media/media-library/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Our social media","url":"/en-gb/media/social-media/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Podcasts","url":"/en-gb/media/podcasts/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"RSS feeds","url":"/en-gb/media/rss-feeds/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Behind the Science magazine","image":{"src":"/media/ukvllwft/vaccine-manufacturing-production-line-2.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebb585f130&hmac=c3e21840aa4184183d7a56b6b9e51c276f4c0cfa99faddf0b2e96abade984999","alt":"Scientist works in a futurist vaccine laboratory for GSK","darkModeSrc":"/media/ukvllwft/vaccine-manufacturing-production-line-2.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebb585f130&hmac=1ee1d1cba0cbe920daab92982b410dfd5be6b812ffb18d46bc5a1b15dc8ea9e4"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Podcasts","image":{"src":"/media/tifb3jbw/bts-podcast-cover.jpg?rxy=0.3396812535345467,0.7098154172768643&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dc8ade65132ac0&hmac=8516fcec0699f0af4c0d1d3a3cb506fb47fd5a221d6a501a81eeb2c68f1c1998","alt":"Behind the science podcast cover ","darkModeSrc":"/media/tifb3jbw/bts-podcast-cover.jpg?rxy=0.3396812535345467,0.7098154172768643&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dc8ade65132ac0&hmac=e1517c1889bf48d5e31af2d9cfabe3dfbeee773f9a250a984d718db749944c52"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"/en-gb/media/podcasts/","openInNewWindowText":null}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Careers","url":"/en-gb/careers/","nodes":[{"title":"Search jobs","url":"/en-gb/careers/search-jobs/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Featured careers","url":"/en-gb/careers/featured-careers/","nodes":[{"title":"A career in data","url":"/en-gb/careers/featured-careers/a-career-in-data/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Life at GSK","url":"/en-gb/careers/life-at-gsk/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Outstanding people","url":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/","nodes":[{"title":"Great place to work","url":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/great-place-to-work/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Meet our veterans","url":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/meet-our-veterans/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Working together","url":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/working-together/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"My GSK story","url":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/my-gsk-story/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Innovating together","url":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/innovating-together/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Experienced professionals","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/","nodes":[{"title":"Business operations","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/business-operations/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Engineering at GSK ","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/engineering/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Global supply chain","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/global-supply-chain/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Sales and marketing","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/sales-and-marketing/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Research and development","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/research-and-development/","nodes":[{"title":"Chemical Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), Medicine Development and Supply (MDS)","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/research-and-development/chemical-manufacturing-and-controls-cmc-medicine-development-and-supply-mds/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Genomic sciences","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/research-and-development/genomic-sciences/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Technology","url":"/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/technology/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Early careers","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/","nodes":[{"title":"Application process","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/application-process/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Apprentice programmes","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/apprentice-programmes/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Internships and placements","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/internships-and-placements/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Graduate programme","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/","nodes":[{"title":"Business operations","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/business-operations/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Engineering","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/engineering/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Manufacturing & supply","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/manufacturing-supply/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Commercial ","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/commercial/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Research & development","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/research-development/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Manufacturing sciences & technology","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/graduate-programme/manufacturing-sciences-technology/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Post graduate opportunities","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/post-graduate-opportunities/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Frequently asked questions","url":"/en-gb/careers/early-careers/frequently-asked-questions/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Veterans","url":"/en-gb/careers/veterans/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Our global and regional hubs","url":"/en-gb/careers/our-global-and-regional-hubs/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"How we hire","url":"/en-gb/careers/how-we-hire/","nodes":[{"title":"Fraudulent internet recruitment activities","url":"/en-gb/careers/how-we-hire/fraudulent-internet-recruitment-activities/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Frequently asked questions","url":"/en-gb/careers/how-we-hire/frequently-asked-questions/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Outstanding people","image":{"src":"/media/kgwp0dc5/sddefault-2.jpg?rxy=0.425,0.51807228915662651&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eba773f3d0&hmac=9e8e9da5bd3ca0619cfd47c6274f5ecbae61a5b73808bbd57b4fdffa469f2037","alt":"Angeles sitting on a sofa in a pink shirt","darkModeSrc":"/media/kgwp0dc5/sddefault-2.jpg?rxy=0.425,0.51807228915662651&width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2eba773f3d0&hmac=25f6331ff89b8ea1f896e23e1cc935cee241b346efb1b08bd5aa5b5aa0d4e09c"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"/en-gb/careers/outstanding-people/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Inclusion","image":{"src":"/media/2u2dowa1/web16-header-stvg_2_2022_port_13_hess_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2ebc1b88030&hmac=12ac7ded8bd7ab6e4665214fcc035ed44c079abcb2fbda20ea2220be73c1f12e","alt":"Lab technician smiling","darkModeSrc":"/media/2u2dowa1/web16-header-stvg_2_2022_port_13_hess_nav.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dba2ebc1b88030&hmac=a50405e6d858c131f8bc642c26ae3a9fb06154803458a748320a0ff3ec9c7e2f"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"/en-gb/responsibility/inclusion/","openInNewWindowText":null}}]}],"skipToContent":"Skip to content","skipToSearch":"Skip to search","typeaheadSearch":{"apiEndpoint":"api/search/typeahead?siteContainerId=1703","searchFieldPlaceholderText":"Enter a search term...","searchPage":"/en-gb/search/","ariaLabel":"Submit form"},"ariaLabel":"Global navigation"},"footer":{"logo":null,"copyrightText":"This is our global website, intended for visitors seeking information on GSK's worldwide business. Our market sites can be reached by visiting our location selector.
\n\n
© 2001-2026 GSK plc. All rights reserved. Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
\nGSK plc. Registered in England and Wales No. 3888792.
\nRegistered office: 79 New Oxford Street, London. United Kingdom. WC1A 1DG
","modernSlaveryStatement":{"name":"Modern Slavery Act Statement 2025","url":"/media/5ladhmeu/modern-slavery-act-statement-2025.pdf","fileExtension":"PDF","fileSize":"187.7KB","type":"file","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"sections":{"socialMedia":{"columnTitle":"Follow us on:","socialMediaItems":[{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"http://www.linkedin.com/company/glaxosmithkline","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Visit GSK on Linkedin","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"LinkedIn"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"http://twitter.com/GSK","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Visit GSK X page","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"X"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"https://bsky.app/profile/gsk.bsky.social/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Bluesky"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"https://www.instagram.com/gsk/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Visit GSK Instagram","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Instagram"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"https://www.facebook.com/GSK","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Visit GSK Facebook page","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Facebook"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"http://www.youtube.com/GSK","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Visit GSK YouTube Channel","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Youtube"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"/en-gb/media/rss-feeds/","openInNewWindowText":null},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Visit GSK RSS feeds","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Rss"}]},"columns":[{"columnTitle":"GSK websites","links":[{"text":"Locations selector","href":"/en-gb/locations/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Social media directory","href":"/en-gb/media/social-media/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"GSKPro for healthcare professionals","href":"https://www.gskpro.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"GSK study register","href":"https://www.gsk-studyregister.com/en/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Supplier website","href":"https://supplier.gsk.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"ViiV Healthcare","href":"https://viivhealthcare.com/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}]},{"columnTitle":"Quick links","links":[{"text":"Behind the Science magazine","href":"/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Company","href":"/en-gb/company/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Innovation","href":"/en-gb/innovation/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Products","href":"/en-gb/products/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Responsibility","href":"/en-gb/responsibility/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Investors","href":"/en-gb/investors/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Media","href":"/en-gb/media/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Careers","href":"/en-gb/careers/","openInNewWindowText":null}]},{"columnTitle":"Get in touch","links":[{"text":"Contact us","href":"/en-gb/contact-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Partnerships","href":"/en-gb/innovation/partnerships/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Report a possible side effect","href":"/en-gb/contact-us/report-a-possible-side-effect/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"GSK Speak up","href":"https://www.gsk.com/speakup","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}]}]},"bottomLinks":[{"text":"Accessibility","href":"/en-gb/accessibility/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Digital sustainability","href":"/en-gb/digital-sustainability/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Terms of use","href":"/en-gb/terms-of-use/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Cookie policy","href":"/en-gb/cookie-policy/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Privacy notice","href":"https://privacy.gsk.com/en-gb/privacy-notice/general","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Sitemap","href":"/en-gb/sitemap/","openInNewWindowText":null}],"continueToLink":null,"legalApprovalText":""},"sharing":{"description":"We speak to GSK respiratory disease leads David Lipson and Chris Compton about identifying future COPD patients and tailoring treatments","og":[{"property":"og:title","content":"Getting ahead of COPD exacerbations using new tech could save lives "},{"property":"og:description","content":"We speak to GSK respiratory disease leads David Lipson and Chris Compton about identifying future COPD patients and tailoring treatments"},{"property":"og:image","content":"https://www.gsk.com/media/r3opqich/gsk_stevenage_d4_11052018_resp_s4_canon_490.jpg?width=600&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eba29946d0&hmac=bbf09315e247f0b685e73def6c9f7fcdec2c45de358fa9054718b8811235f742"},{"property":"og:url","content":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology/"}],"twitter":[{"name":"twitter:card","content":"summary_large_image"},{"name":"twitter:site","content":"@gsk"},{"name":"twitter:title","content":"Getting ahead of COPD exacerbations using new tech could save lives "},{"name":"twitter:description","content":"We speak to GSK respiratory disease leads David Lipson and Chris Compton about identifying future COPD patients and tailoring treatments"},{"name":"twitter:image","content":"https://www.gsk.com/media/r3opqich/gsk_stevenage_d4_11052018_resp_s4_canon_490.jpg?width=600&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dba2eba29946d0&hmac=bbf09315e247f0b685e73def6c9f7fcdec2c45de358fa9054718b8811235f742"},{"name":"twitter:url","content":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology"}]},"stickyShare":{"href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology/","pageTitle":"Getting ahead of COPD exacerbations using new tech could save lives ","shareText":"Share","newTabLinkText":"Opens in a new window","shareOnTwitterText":"Share on Twitter","shareOnLinkedInText":"Share on LinkedIn","shareOnFacebookText":"Share on Facebook"},"exitSitePreferences":{"popupEnabled":false,"title":"","texts":"","continueText":"Continue","cancelText":"Cancel","exclusionUrls":[]},"settings":{"optionalStylesheetLink":null,"themeColorHexCode":null,"headerLogoLightTheme":null,"headerLogoDarkTheme":null,"footerLogo":{"src":"https://www.gsk.com/media/0jwou3xu/gsk-logo.png?width=104&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbf4b05a4e6470&hmac=88eee08ffc4c7e7b930ebd265a76bc829fe24564389a8e6d463f844dfe83fef8","alt":"Gsk Logo","darkModeSrc":"https://www.gsk.com/media/0jwou3xu/gsk-logo.png?width=104&format=webp&quality=50&v=1dbf4b05a4e6470&hmac=994d785e3ecfaac6bc9c67bacc48b0c287fa77e4c4f0d3de82d33bb48be5efda"},"scripts":[{"pageLocation":"Top","text":" \n"}],"globalWebsiteLink":null,"googleMapsApiKey":"AIzaSyA2QMg4Ww6djPKb7b9BraQn4kgJmDaLblg","textToSpeechApiKey":"70ab0a79-1d92-4286-86d2-abdd71cc785c","bingVerificationCode":"","googleAnalytics":"","siteTitle":" | GSK"},"pageSettings":{"disableBackToTopButton":false,"backToTopButtonText":"Back to top","robotsNoFollow":false,"robotsNoIndex":false,"canonicalUrl":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology/"},"tealiumSettings":{"enabled":false,"data":""},"entryPopup":null,"protectedPage":false,"schema":{"jsonLdSchemas":["{\"@context\":\"https://schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Article\",\"description\":\"We speak to GSK respiratory disease leads David Lipson and Chris Compton about identifying future COPD patients and tailoring treatments\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"image\":\"https://www.gsk.com/media/r3opqich/gsk_stevenage_d4_11052018_resp_s4_canon_490.jpg\"},\"mainEntityOfPage\":\"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology/\",\"url\":\"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/copd-exacerbations-respiratory-disease-new-technology/\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-15T00:00:00+00:00\",\"headline\":\"Getting ahead of COPD exacerbations using new tech could save lives \",\"keywords\":\"Respiratory,Medicines,Early Science and Technology\",\"articleBody\":\"Keeping our lungs in good condition is integral to our future health and wellbeing. For patients with challenging respiratory conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), several factors contribute to a sustained decline in lung function. These factors include COPD exacerbations \\u2013 flare-ups of symptoms which can be distressing and sometimes lead to hospitalisations. However, exacerbations are treatable and potentially preventable.\\u00A0\\u00A0Building on 50 years of research in the field of respiratory disease, GSK scientists continue to challenge themselves to develop new ways to improve the lives of patients. Here, David Lipson, VP, Respiratory Disease Area Lead and Chris Compton, VP and Medical Affairs Lead, General Medicines Therapy Area, speak about the innovative approaches they are taking to mitigate the risk of exacerbation, and manage COPD.\\u00A0Q: What is the GSK approach to challenging COPD exacerbations?\\u00A0David Lipson: \\u201CCOPD is an insidious, progressive disease which is often diagnosed too late to prevent significant lung damage. As always, our approach has been data-led. The three-year GSK ECLIPSE study, which sought to better understand the risks of repeated exacerbations, included over 2,000 patients. It showed us that keeping those living with COPD stable and controlled had a positive effect on the risk of continued exacerbations requiring hospitalisation. This was also the first research of its kind to definitively conclude that one COPD exacerbation increases the risk of similar future episodes.\\u00A0\\u201CWe also developed a much deeper understanding of the individual characteristics of patients. From the findings of our own investigations, we\\u2019ve championed the concept of holistic COPD management \\u2013 highlighting the benefits of vaccines and other pharmacologic therapies as well as important lifestyle adaptations, including smoking cessation.\\u00A0\\u201CA relatively recent trend of advanced modelling using artificial intelligence to analyse thousands of patient CT images is already helping us define the individual characteristics of COPD patients, so therapy and future clinical trials can be personalised.\\u201D\\u00A0Q: Why is tailoring treatment for individual patients so important?\\u00A0DL: \\u201CEvery COPD patient is unique and affected by the condition in different ways. Instead of a \\u2018one-size-fits-all\\u2019 approach, we need to tailor treatments and support to the specific needs of the individual. \\u00A0\\u00A0\\u201CAt GSK, we\\u2019re working with respiratory experts to examine the evidence for a \\u2018Treatable Traits\\u2019 approach to the management of respiratory conditions. This involves considering certain factors \\u2013 or traits \\u2013 a person may exhibit, including lifestyle, disease characteristics, comorbidities or having other concurrent medical conditions, and disease markers including levels of eosinophils \\u2013 a type of white blood cell, which can cause inflammation in the airways. This type of assessment allows physicians to identify the most appropriate intervention for each patient.\\u201D\\u00A0Q: Why is early diagnosis important for successful long-term management of COPD?\\u00A0DL: \\u201CWe know up to 40-50 per cent of patients continue to experience exacerbations despite maintenance therapies, meaning there\\u2019s a significant unmet need. Early diagnosis is critical for getting patients on the right treatment pathway. Supporting routine spirometry, which is a common test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much and how quickly you inhale and exhale air, and lung function testing, is particularly important to ensure we identify patients and then provide them with quality therapies, tailored to their personal needs.\\u00A0\\u00A0\\u201CWe are also proud to collaborate with patient associations and professional societies to understand patient need and partner on better diagnosis and treatment strategies. Identifying patients with COPD in the first place is key.\\u201D\\u00A0Q: What exactly are COPD exacerbations?Chris Compton: \\u201COver 384 million people globally are diagnosed with COPD. Several processes are known to cause the airways to become narrow, including destruction of part of the lungs, a build-up of mucus, and inflammation or swelling of the airway lining. The result is a variety of COPD symptoms, including breathlessness and a chronic cough, often with phlegm and tiredness. A high number of patients experience exacerbations, or flare-ups, which are a worsening of symptoms beyond normal day-to-day ups and downs. While COPD exacerbations are often caused by a respiratory infection, there are other contributing factors, including smoking, air pollution, severe airflow limitation, existing comorbidities and a history of prior exacerbations.\\u0022Q: Why is preventing exacerbations important?\\u00A0CC: \\u201CEvidence shows us that exacerbations accelerate the decline in lung function that characterises COPD, resulting in reduced physical activity, poorer quality of life, and an increased risk of death in more severe cases. Each time a COPD exacerbation occurs, it may leave behind permanent, irreversible lung damage, making it harder for patients to breathe and increasing the likelihood of worsening symptoms in the future. While everyone experiences exacerbations differently, preventing this spiral of disease progression is vitally important for improving COPD outcomes, including survival.\\u00A0\\u00A0\\u201CAround 1 in 5 COPD patients who experience an exacerbation require hospitalisation. Significantly, many people who end up in hospital are readmitted following release. COPD therefore represents a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems around the world, as well as a resource burden for already overcrowded hospitals. Reducing exacerbations is fundamental to lowering the healthcare costs attributable to COPD, alongside improving lung function and wellbeing.\\u201D\\u00A0\\u00A0Q: How can COPD exacerbations and hospitalisations be prevented?\\u00A0\\u00A0CC: \\u201COne of the most important ways to prevent an exacerbation is by ensuring those with a COPD diagnosis are regularly assessed for their risk factors for exacerbatons and to make sure they are on the right management plan, including being up-to-date with their vaccinations. Acquired infections can make it more difficult to breathe and cause further damage to lung tissue. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommends several vaccines (PDF - 330KB), including those for flu, coronavirus, pertussis, pneumococcal, and zoster vaccines as part of the overall management for adults with COPD.\\u201CWe\\u2019re looking at other viruses that can cause exacerbation, for example, the common cold virus. We\\u2019re also looking at potential new therapies that could be given when symptoms first occur to prevent that virus from taking hold and leading to worse outcomes.\\u00A0\\u201CData suggest that even with escalating problems, people with COPD are often reluctant to share a worsening of their symptoms with their doctor, again impacting the chance for them to be appropriately treated. This is why we place an emphasis on bridging communication gaps between patients, doctors and caregivers, so that information about how the disease affects daily life is shared, and the disease can be more effectively managed to reduce risk of exacerbation or even death.\\u201D\\u00A0Further reading\\u00A0[1] Vestbo. J, Anderson. W, Coxson. HO, et al. (2008) Evaluation of COPD longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points (ECLIPSE). European Respiratory Journal. Available at: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/31/4/869 [Last accessed: November 2022]\\u00A0[2] Rebordosa. C, Plana. E, Aguado. J. et al. (2018) GOLD assessment of COPD severity in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pds.4448 [Last accessed: November 2022]\\u00A0[3] GOLD. (2022) Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2022 Report. Available at: https://goldcopd.org/2022-gold-reports-2/ [Last accessed: November 2022]\\u00A0[4] World Health Organization. (2022) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease fact sheet. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs315/en/ [Last accessed: November 2022]\\u00A0[5] Viniol. C, Vogelmeier. C. (2018) Exacerbations of COPD. European Respiratory Review. Available at: https://err.ersjournals.com/content/27/147/170103 [Last accessed November 2022]\\u00A0[6] Hurst. JR, Vestbo. J, Anzueto. A, et al. (2010) Susceptibility to exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The New England Journal of Medicine. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0909883 [Last accessed: November 2022]\\u00A0\",\"articleSection\":\"Behind the Science magazine - Feature\"}"]}}