Emphysema treatment

Philadelphia, Pa. - July 24, 2008

Emphysema is a disease of the lungs that makes it difficult for people to breathe.

Patricia Doyle said she couldn't climb stairs without getting out of breath. Then she enrolled a clinical trial testing a biodegradable gel. Instead of surgically removing the damaged part of the lung, doctors inject liquids that form a medicated gel to cover

"Bit by bit, I started climbing the steps, and didn't even think about it," Doyle said.

The gel still has to pass more studies, but the Food and Drug Administration has fast-tracked the approval status if it's proven to be safe and effective Trials are now underway at Temple University Lung Center. For information: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Type the trial number in the search box: NCT00515164