Respiratory Diseases Research | Overview
About the Division of Respiratory Diseases
As a charter member of the Therapeutics Development Network of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Division of Respiratory Diseases is involved in the development and early clinical trials of novel therapeutics for CF, including:
- a small peptide antibiotic administered via inhalation
- the use of inhaled tobramycin in young children
- an inhaled form of an anti-inflammatory cytokine
- an inhaled peptide that increases epithelial cell chloride transport
- a novel inhaled mucolytic
- an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist
- a novel form of pancreatic enzyme supplementation
- an oral agent that increases the expression of mutant CFTR at the cell surface
- gene therapy
In addition, the division has been or is involved studies of:
- quality of life before and after lung transplantation
- Prednisone during hospitalization for an exacerbation of lung disease
- induced sputum as an outcome measure in infants and young children
- a DHA-containing infant formula
- once-daily vs. thrice-daily tobramycin during hospitalization for an exacerbation of lung disease
- modifier genes and their influence on the clinical severity of CF
- cystic fibrosis studies examining the natural history of pulmonary function in infants and young children
- growth hormone
- the relationship of pseudomonas aeruginosa to the severity of lung disease
Featured researchers in the Division of Respiratory Diseases hold faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School.
Researchers and their focus areas:
- Norma Gerard, PhD: inflammatory response
- Pyong Woo Park, PhD: extracellular matrix
AeroBPD study
The study is for children ages 6 to 12 years old who have a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the lead investigator of the study is Dr. Jonathan Gaffin. The goal of the study is to find if environmental factors (air quality, allergens, etc.) in the child’s home influence respiratory health in children with a history of BPD.
Children will be followed for approximately 12 months. The research visits will include physical exam, questionnaires, blood draw, and lung function tests (spirometry and oscillometry).
During the participation in this study we would perform two home assessment visits, each separated by about six months. A quiet environmental monitoring device will be placed in your home. This device samples the air in the home, temperature, and humidity. All personal assessments and procedures can be done virtually if necessary.