COPD encompasses a number of chronic lung disorders that obstruct the airways and may be accompanied by airway hyperactivity. The most common form of COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many of the signs and symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis are a result of airway mucus hypersecretion induced by chronic inflammation of the airways. Clinically, mucus hypersecretion results in impaired gas exchange and compromised mucociliary clearance, encouraging bacterial colonization and associated exacerbations. A treatment that inhibits mucus hypersecretion or blocks inflammation could benefit COPD patients with chronic bronchitis. The drug under evaluation in this study, BIO 11006, is a new therapeutic agent that may inhibit mucus secretion and may have important anti inflammatory properties. In this study, BIO-11006 will be administered to COPD patients with chronic bronchitis, and the effects lung function will be assessed.
