May is Asthma Awareness Month!
We are going to highlight the Integrative Health Sciences Facility Core (IHSFC) and the Lung and Airway Disease Affinity Group and its work on asthma with Dr. Reynold Panettieri
Integrative Health Sciences Facility Core (IHSFC)
The Integrative Health Sciences Facility Core (IHSFC) focuses on identifying important research questions that can directly address human disease.
What We Do?
In the Lung and Airway Disease Affinity Group, we focus on understanding the cause of asthma and COPD with a focus on new therapeutic agents. Our research at the Lung and Airway Disease Affinity Group and IHSFC is unique. We are one of seven centers nationwide that have a human exposure chamber to directly test hypotheses related to human health. Additionally, we have new experimental platforms using human cells that greatly enhance the relevance of our work. Our laboratory has been active for the past 22 years and has specifically focused on novel therapeutics in the treatment of COPD and asthma. Although we have a legacy of research in this area, our focus is always on using up-to-date, state-of-the-art approaches to address problems.
Who We Help?
We help children and adults who have or are affected by asthma. Asthma rates in Philadelphia are some of the highest in the country. In some neighborhoods, asthma rates are as high as 26%!
What’s New and Exciting?
Our recent evidence suggests that vitamin D is a critical therapeutic that can improve airway obstruction and inflammation seen in asthma and COPD. We are optimistic that the development of vitamin D inhaled solutions may greatly impact human health.
How Can You Get Involved?
Our laboratories are consistently recruiting research subjects for a number of important studies in asthma and COPD. Visit our website (http://www.med.upenn.edu/airways/), to learn more about opportunities to participate in our research.
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