WOOLCOCK EMPHYSEMA CENTRE

New Hub to Fight COPD

The Woolcock Emphysema Centre is the new ‘go-to’ hub for Australia’s 300,000 sufferers and top researchers wanting to change the way this respiratory condition is treated.

The Centre, run from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research headquarters in Glebe, Sydney, works to improve the lives of patients by ensuring earlier diagnosis, better treatment options and ultimately a cure which will allow thousands of people to avoid these conditions altogether.

By integrating clinical and basic research, the facility is able to innovate rapidly and revolutionise the way these respiratory diseases are both studied and treated.

Research for a Brighter Future

The Centre has three dedicated research themes, the first theme is devoted to developing diagnostic tools that can be used to manage the disease and predict emphysema at an early stage. Work is already underway to build a test that can pick up lung changes before any wheeze or breathlessness symptoms appear.

The second theme is focused on understanding how the disease operates at a molecular and genetic level with the aim of developing new approaches to halt and reverse the disease rather than just maintaining it. Breakthroughs in this field will be among the first in the world.

A third theme specialises in building innovative technologies for people already suffering from emphysema. These researchers are working closely with clinicians to develop novel inhalation therapies to treat recurring chest infections and shortness of breath in patients.

DONATE

The Woolcock Emphysema Centre is possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support our mission to understand and eradicate emphysema and COPD, please click the donate button.

Meet our team