Almirall study shows low EU awareness of COPD

Almirall has highlighted data from a new survey showing that people across Europe are poorly-informed about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Almirall-sponsored poll of 2,000 Europeans showed that nearly three-quarters of respondents have very limited understanding of COPD, despite the fact the disease affects around 44 million people.

Currently, COPD – which is also known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema – is the sixth leading cause of death worldwide affecting around one in ten of all adults, but it is expected to rise to third place by 2020.

According to Almirall, the fact people are not widely aware of the disease makes it less likely that they will see a doctor when suffering from symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough or phlegm.

The company said: "COPD is significantly under-diagnosed, with estimates suggesting that [official figures] represent only half of actual sufferers."

Earlier this year, Almirall launched a new therapy for COPD called Eklira Genuair, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, in European countries including the UK.