Comet

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe long-term bronchitis and emphysema. It is a common, life-long and often severe condition caused by damage to the lungs and can lead to breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. A single COPD exacerbation may result in a significant increase in the rate of decline of lung function and sadly, about 30,000 people in the UK die each year from COPD. ^1,2

COPD is closely linked to socioeconomic deprivation, and in the Wirral, its prevalence is 2.6%—significantly higher than the England average of 1.8%.³ Research by the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) highlights a pressing issue: there are approximately 5,000 people in the region living with undiagnosed COPD, missing out on vital treatment and support.

COMET (COPD Targeted Management, Early Intervention and Treatment) is a collaborative working project between Chiesi Limited and Wirral Primary Care Collaborative Limited to ensure timely COPD diagnosis. The partnership focuses on preserving lung health and preventing further decline in patients identified through the Wirral Targeted Lung Health Check.  

The project builds on insights from FRONTIER, which showed that targeted screening can help address underdiagnosed COPD by improving access to testing and care.  

While FRONTIER operated clinics in hospitals, COMET will deliver its services in community settings. As part of our aim to test the viability of a feasible targeted case finding solution that could be taken up by the NHS in future, it is important to understand different models and how they may differ.  

COMET will provide targeted diagnostics for people at high-risk of COPD. This includes diagnosis using spirometry and follow-up care in the community, offering tailored treatment plans.

The COMET project is currently under way. We will update this page when further insights become available.  

Please check back from time to time or get in touch with us for more information at info@chiesi.uk.com.

Please click here to read the executive summary of the COMET project.

References

1. Effect of a single exacerbation on decline in lung function. Respiratory Medicine Volume 128  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954611117301312 
2. Asthma and Lung UK. What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Available at: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk. 2022. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd- chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease 
3. Public Health Profiles: Public health profiles - OHID (phe.org.uk)

UK-CHI-2401033 | December 2024