Point of Care Breath Test for Biomarkers of COPD

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The clinical problem: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects an estimated 16 million people in the USA, and it is projected to increase from the sixth to the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020. COPD imposes a burden on patients by restricting their everyday activities (e.g. walking up stairs), as well as a financial burden on society because hospitalizations for treatment of exacerbations are increasing. However, COPD is frequently underdiagnosed and more sensitive and specific biomarkers of the disease could potentially reduce its burden on patients and society, facilitate earlier diagnosis, monitor response to treatment, and identify subtypes of patients who will benefit from tailored treatments. A new solution the problem: Recent studies have shown that human breath contains many volatile organic compounds in low concentrations, and some of them are biomarkers of diseases including COPD. More than 70 studies of breath VOC bio