Sandoz outlines commitment to combating COPD

Sandoz has made efforts to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to coincide with World COPD Day.

Organised annually by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, the event took place on November 20th 2013, with this year's theme focusing on how it is never too late for patients to make efforts to improve their respiratory health.

As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Sandoz has taken steps to educate customers on the causes and prevalence of the disease, which can be caused by tobacco smoke and results in the persistent blockage of airflow from the lungs.

Almost 90 percent of COPD deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, where air pollution is more common, with total deaths from the disease projected to increase by more than 30 percent in the next decade.

Dr Spencer Jones, global head of medical affairs for the respiratory division of Sandoz, said: "Our mission is to increase global patient access to high-quality healthcare. Sandoz provides affordable options for the treatment of COPD and many other diseases and conditions."