Regeneron and Sanofi Look for Billions From COPD Drug

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third-highest cause of death globally. Smoking or exposure to noxious particles resulting from air pollution are often the culprits of the lung condition, which is characterized by airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

Yet, despite its high death toll, it lacks great treatment options, and no new approaches have been approved in more than a decade. That is partly because it is a complex disease with different clinical characteristics that vary by patient, making it harder for companies to succeed in clinical trials. But there is a huge opportunity for drug companies that do come along with demonstrably good results.