Overview
Current Treatment of Emphysema
In 2003, a landmark study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT), demonstrated that some emphysema patients can benefit from a surgical treatment for emphysema known as lung volume reduction surgery. This procedure involves opening the chest and cutting away the most diseased portions of the lungs. While effective for some patients, this procedure is extremely invasive and is only suitable for a small fraction of patients who have the most advanced cases of the disease. Post-surgical complications occur in a majority of patients, and include persistent leaks in fragile lung tissue, respiratory failure, heart beat irregularities, and infections. About 5 percent of patients die within 90 days of surgery.
Lung transplantation is also an effective treatment for patients with advanced emphysema, but is available to less than 600 emphysema patients in North America annually due to limited organ availability and access to specialized tertiary care centers.
The AeriSeal System - The minimally invasive solution designed to treat both heterogeneous and homogeneous emphysema
An innovative, less invasive treatment that achieves lung volume reduction is currently undergoing clinical evaluation and is showing promise in patients. Developed by Aeris Therapeutics, the AeriSeal System is designed to reduce gas trapping in order to improve lung function for patients with advanced emphysema.
With AeriSeal therapy, a physician uses a bronchoscope to direct treatment to the most damaged areas of the patient’s lungs. Using the AeriSealTM Catheter, the proprietary AeriSealTM Foam Sealant is administered to the small airways and alveoli at the treatment site. The Foam Sealant is delivered as a liquid and polymerizes in situ to form a soft, elastic, adhesive foam. The sealed regions of lung collapse over time, thereby achieving lung volume reduction. This reduction in lung volume creates more space for adjacent healthier parts of the lungs to function more effectively.
Aeris Therapeutics has completed enrollment in a study of the AeriSeal System. Early results suggest that AeriSeal therapy may be effective for the treatment of patients with advanced emphysema. AeriSeal therapy has been well tolerated and is associated with significant improvements in breathing function, symptoms and quality of life.
We invite you to explore our research publications, clinical trials, and related links to learn more about the scientific foundation of our therapeutic programs.
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