America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are working on 54 medicines to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

These therapies are in late-stage development, meaning they are either in clinical trials or awaiting review by the FDA.

Today, more than 13 million American adults suffer from COPD, one of the most common lung diseases in the U.S. A chronic, progressive lower respiratory disease that encompasses two main conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—COPD is characterized by obstructed airflow to the lungs that interferes with normal breathing. People with COPD may be limited in their ability to work, exercise and perform routine activities.

“Early detection of COPD is imperative, as effective treatment can change the course and progression of this devastating disease,” said PhRMA president and CEO John J. Castellani. “The promising new therapies highlighted in this report illustrate how emerging scientific approaches to treating respiratory diseases such as COPD offer great hope to improve and save the lives of future patients.”

America’s biopharmaceutical researchers are exploring various new ways to attack COPD. Examples of such approaches include:

• An adult stem cell therapy that targets a protein in the blood often elevated in COPD.
• A monoclonal antibody that acts on IL-1 receptors involved in inflammatory conditions.
• A medicine that targets the underlying inflammation in COPD.

More than 120,000 Americans die from COPD each year, making it the third leading cause of death in theU.S.In addition to the disability inflicted upon millions of patients, COPD costs the nation nearly $50 billion annually, including direct and indirect healthcare costs, according to the National Institutes of Health.