Chronic Bronchitis

Background
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by cough with mucus (sputum) production that lasts at least three months a year for 2 consecutive years¹.  Chronic bronchitis is a common disease with a prevalence of 5.4 % of the population². Smoking and occupational exposure to welding fumes are both associated with an increased risk of CB. There is no effective treatment today. Smoking cessation may possibly alleviate some of the symptoms. Chronic bronchitis and COPD are closely related diseases, and most or virtually all of COPD patients also have chronic bronchitis (although all patients with chronic bronchitis have not developed airway obstruction yet).
1. https://lunginstitute.com/blog/chronic-bronchitis-symptoms-what-to-look-for/
2. Holm M, Kim JL, Lillienberg L, Storaas T, Jögi R, Svanes C, Schlünssen V, Forsberg B, Gíslason T, Janson C, Torén K; RHINE Study Group, Northern Europe. Incidence and prevalence of chronic bronchitis: impact of smoking and welding. The RHINE study. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2012 Apr;16(4):553-7. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.11.0288.

Iodocarb
PharmaLundensis has performed a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study with Iodocarb which showed a reduction of cough and mucous production, as well as an improved lung funktion¹. Home CAT-values was reduced by 18 % after 4 weeks of treatment with Iodocarb, compared to 3 % in the placebo group.
1. Skogvall S, Erjefält JS, Olin AI, Ankerst J, Bjermer L. Oral iodinated activated charcoal improves lung function in patients with COPD. Respir Med. 2014 Jun;108(6):905-9

Chronic bronchitis and COPD are probably the same syndrome
Since chronic bronchitis and COPD often appears together in a single patient, have the same well-established main causes (tobacco smoke and air pollution) and Iodocarb appears to improve the symptoms of both COPD and chronic bronchitis, we assume that heavy metals are responsible for both these diseases. We see chronic bronchitis as the initial symptom of a lung disease caused by heavy metals. After some years, airway obstruction can be added and the full syndrome manifests itself with airway obstruction, cough and excessive mucous, that is COPD.

Clinical strategy
We will initially focus on developing Iodocarb as a treatment for chronic bronchitis. When it has been registered on this indication, additional clinical studies to register Iodocarb also as a COPD treatment will be performed. This strategy will reduce the time and resources needed to take Iodocarb to the market when revenues can be expected.