Bronchogen in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Controlled Study
Chuchalin A.G., Avdeev S.N., Aisanov Z.R.
Research Institute of Pulmonology
Respiratory Medicine 109(12): 1621-1629
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes progressive lung damage with limited treatment options. This study evaluated Bronchogen (bronchial peptide complex) in moderate-to-severe COPD. A total of 134 patients (GOLD stage II-III) received either standard therapy plus Bronchogen (20mg orally twice daily for 60 days, n=67) or standard therapy alone (n=67). Primary endpoint was change in FEV1 at 60 days. The Bronchogen group showed significant FEV1 improvement (+148±67mL vs. +42±51mL in controls, p<0.001). FVC increased by 215±89mL vs. 68±72mL (p<0.001). Six-minute walk distance improved (+52.3±23.4m vs. +18.7±19.2m, p<0.001). Exacerbation rate decreased by 58% in the Bronchogen group over 6-month follow-up. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores improved by 7.8±3.2 points vs. 2.9±2.6 (p<0.001), indicating better symptom control. Quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) improved significantly. Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) decreased substantially in treatment group.
Study Population
Moderate-to-severe COPD patients (GOLD II-III), age 55-72 years, FEV1 40-70% predicted, stable on optimal bronchodilator therapy, current or ex-smokers
Context
COPD is the third leading cause of death globally. It progressively destroys lung tissue, causing breathlessness and disability. Current treatments slow decline but rarely improve function.
Study Approach
Patients with moderate-to-severe COPD on optimal inhaler therapy received Bronchogen as an add-on treatment.
Key Findings
Lung Function Improvement
FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) - the primary measure of lung function - improved by 148mL in the Bronchogen group vs. only 42mL in controls. This is a clinically significant gain.
Reduced Exacerbations
COPD flare-ups (exacerbations) are dangerous, causing hospitalization and accelerating decline. Bronchogen reduced exacerbations by 58% over 6 months - a dramatic protective effect.
Exercise Capacity
The 6-minute walk test improved nearly 3x more with Bronchogen (+52m vs. +19m), indicating better real-world functional capacity.
Symptom Control
The COPD Assessment Test measures daily symptoms like breathlessness, cough, and fatigue. Bronchogen patients experienced:
- 2.7x greater symptom relief than controls
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Blood tests showed Bronchogen reduced inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), suggesting it addresses the underlying disease process, not just symptoms.
Significance
Bronchogen appears to promote bronchial tissue repair and reduce inflammation, offering a novel approach to COPD management beyond standard bronchodilators.
Statistical Results
FEV1 improvement: Bronchogen +148±67mL vs. control +42±51mL (p<0.001). FVC increase: +215±89mL vs. +68±72mL (p<0.001). 6MWD: +52.3±23.4m vs. +18.7±19.2m (p<0.001). Exacerbation rate reduction: 58% over 6 months (p<0.01). CAT score improvement: -7.8±3.2 vs. -2.9±2.6 (p<0.001). SGRQ total score: -9.3 points vs. -3.1 points (p<0.001).
Study Limitations
- •Non-randomized design
- •Single country study
- •No double-blinding
- •Relatively short treatment duration
- •Mechanism of bronchial protection unclear
- •Limited long-term safety data
Adverse Events
- •Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (6.0%)
- •No serious adverse events
- •No respiratory adverse effects
- •Well tolerated
Key Findings
- ✓Significant lung function improvement
- ✓Dramatic reduction in exacerbations (58%)
- ✓Enhanced exercise capacity
- ✓Better symptom control
- ✓Reduced systemic inflammation
Mechanism of Action
Promotion of bronchial epithelial cell regeneration, reduction of airway inflammation, enhancement of mucus clearance, and improvement of respiratory muscle function.