COPD BioBase
Research type
Research Study
Full title
COPD BioBase: A longitudinal observational study and research database investigating the lung health of people being considered for biological therapies for COPD
IRAS ID
372791
Contact name
Dominic Sykes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
19 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition affecting around 1.2 million people in the UK, although many more may be undiagnosed. It causes breathlessness, cough, and reduced exercise tolerance. People with COPD can also have flare-ups, where symptoms suddenly worsen. These can lead to hospital admissions, poorer quality of life, and worsening health over time.
COPD is usually treated with inhaled medicines, delivered by inhalers or sometimes nebulisers. Flare-ups are often treated with short courses of steroid tablets and antibiotics. However, repeated steroid courses can cause side effects including weakened bones, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased infection risk. Newer, more targeted medicines called biologics may offer another treatment option for some people with COPD, with the potential for fewer side effects.
Biologics are an important step towards more personalised COPD care. Clinical trials suggest they can be effective, but less is known about how well they work in everyday clinical practice. Many patients seen in routine NHS care have other health conditions or factors that mean they may not have been included in trials. As more biologics become available, it is important to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from each treatment.
COPD BioBase will collect real-world information about people with COPD who are starting biologic treatments as part of their usual NHS care. This will include information from electronic health records and routine appointments, such as COPD history, other health conditions, medications, flare-ups, lung function, blood tests, scans, and healthcare visits. Participants will also complete short questionnaires about symptoms and quality of life.
By following people over time, COPD BioBase will help doctors and researchers understand who receives biologic treatments, how well they work in real-world care, and which patients may benefit most. This will support better, more informed treatment decisions for people with COPD.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
26/WA/0197
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion