Grant: Catalyst Grant: Personalized Health Catalyst Grants

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common medical condition that affects 1 in 5 Canadians over the age of 40. COPD is the number one cause reason Canadians become hospitalized. The most effective drugs to reduce "lung attacks" that lead to hospitalization are bronchodilators (drugs that open up the breathing tubes) and azithromycin, an antibiotic, which is taken once daily. Based on previous research, we know that these drugs don't work on all patients (in fact, only 1 out of 6 patients receiving any of these drugs will experience benefit; 5 out of 6 will receive no benefit or experience just side effects). In this study, we will determine whether the genetic make-up of patients with COPD is important in predicting which patients respond to these medications and which patients don't. We will also see whether men and women respond the same or differently to these drugs. The results of these study will help researchers to develop genetic tools to help doctors to give these drugs to only those patients who will benefit. This will save money and prevent side effects.