RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Using Multiomics to Define Mechanisms of Rhinovirus-induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations to Develop Novel Therapies and Therapeutic Targets

This study aims to understand why common cold viruses, specifically rhinovirus, cause severe flare-ups (exacerbations) in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These flare-ups are a major health concern. Researchers will compare people with stable COPD to healthy volunteers. All participants will be given a common cold virus in a controlled setting. They will undergo various tests, including lung examinations, before and after infection. By closely observing the body's response, especially in the lungs, the study seeks to pinpoint the exact processes that lead to more severe illness in people with COPD. The ultimate goal is to discover new treatments that can reduce the frequency and severity of these debilitating exacerbations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

08 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)Rhinovirus Infection Exacerbation of COPD

What is this study about?

COPD is a serious lung condition, and a major cause of ill health and death. A big problem for people with COPD are sudden flare-ups of their symptoms, known as exacerbations. These flare-ups are often triggered by common viral infections, like a cold. Currently, we don't fully understand why these viruses cause such severe problems for people with COPD, or how to best prevent or treat these flare-ups.

This study wants to get to the bottom of this. Researchers believe that by understanding the specific ways the body, particularly the lungs, responds to a common cold virus in people with COPD, they can discover new and better treatments. They will compare people with COPD to healthy individuals to see how their bodies react differently to the same virus. This comparison will help them identify key processes that go wrong in COPD, leading to severe flare-ups.

The information gathered from this study is crucial. By identifying these underlying processes, scientists hope to develop new medications or approaches that specifically target these problems. The aim is to reduce how often people with COPD experience these difficult flare-ups and make them less severe when they do happen, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why common colds worsen COPD.
Compares people with COPD to healthy volunteers.
Participants will be given a common cold virus in a controlled way.
Involves detailed tests, including lung examinations, before and after infection.
Goal is to find new ways to prevent and treat COPD flare-ups.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for two groups of people: adults with COPD and healthy adult volunteers, both aged between 40 and 75 years old.

If you have COPD, you would need a diagnosis of COPD and a history of significant smoking, meaning at least 20 'pack years'. You should also have experienced your COPD symptoms worsening when you get a cold. It's important that your COPD has been stable for at least 8 weeks before joining, with no recent flare-ups. You can be taking your usual bronchodilator inhalers.

If you are a healthy volunteer, you must not have a history of COPD and should have a very limited smoking history (less than 5 pack years) and not have smoked or used e-cigarettes in the last year. Both groups will have specific lung function tests to confirm they fit the study's requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 40 and 75 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of COPD (if applying for the COPD group)?
Have you experienced your COPD getting worse when you catch a cold?
Have you had a significant smoking history (if applying for the COPD group)?
Are you a non-smoker with no COPD history (if applying for the healthy volunteer group)?
Have you been free from COPD flare-ups for at least 8 weeks (if applying for the COPD group)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will first have a health check-up, including a look inside your lungs (a procedure called a bronchoscopy) to get samples before any infection. Then, you will be given a small dose of a common cold virus (rhinovirus, like the one that causes many colds) in a safe, controlled environment. After being given the virus, you'll have various tests, including a second bronchoscopy, to see how your body and lungs react. The study will involve several visits and tests over a period of time, though the exact duration isn't specified, and you will be carefully monitored throughout.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer potential benefits by helping researchers understand COPD better, which could lead to new treatments for flare-ups in the future. However, there are potential risks, such as experiencing cold-like symptoms, and in people with COPD, a possible flare-up similar to what happens with a natural cold. The bronchoscopy procedure also carries small risks, which the team will explain fully. Importantly, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties.

What is a 'rhinovirus'?

A rhinovirus is a common type of virus that causes the common cold.

What is an 'exacerbation' and why is it important?

An exacerbation is a sudden worsening or 'flare-up' of COPD symptoms. They are a serious concern because they can lead to hospital stays and further lung damage.

Will I get sick if I take part?

Participants will be intentionally given a common cold virus, so it's likely you will experience mild to moderate cold symptoms. For those with COPD, there's a possibility of experiencing a flare-up of your usual symptoms.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed into your airways to allow doctors to look inside your lungs and take small samples.

How to find out more

Dominic P Wilkins, MBBS

d.wilkins@imperial.ac.uk +44 20 7594 8495 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.