BEND St. Charles Health System is seeking people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD, to participate in a nationwide clinical research study to test a new drug.

The study is examining the long-term effects of a drug, delivered in an inhaler to ease breathing, as a way to reduce lung and heart complications.

Usually caused by smoking, COPD makes it hard to breathe and is the third leading cause of death in the nation.

The drug combines a long-acting beta-agonist and a cortisteroid. Participants in the study will either receive the study drug, one of the parts alone, or a placebo.

Individuals may qualify if they have a diagnosis of moderate COPD, a history or risk of heart disease, are age 40 to 80, and are former or current cigarette smokers.

Participants will receive the drugs or placebos at no charge, as well as medical care or procedures required by the study, which will last three to four years.

For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Sherer, 541-706-3732.