HEALTH & MEDICINE / Modified apr 21, 2025 1:15 p.m.

Tech Launch startup focuses on respiratory therapy

UA research could result in COPD patients using inhalers instead of a mask

Tech Launch Startup Inhalers developed for asthma patients.
Alan Levine

People coping with respiratory disorders are in line to benefit from research being promoted at the University of Arizona’s Tech Launch department.

A bio-tech startup called Aspiro Therapeutics is the latest company working with the UA to develop inventive solutions for health-related issues. College of Medicine researcher Julie Ledford is part of the team looking at a new treatment regime for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

“Right now, it’s something that we are giving to animals in the lab," she said. "We’re giving it to cells from humans, we are working with companies asking how is it going to be formulated, how can we deliver it better for the patient, will it be in a nebulized form or an aerolized form, like an inhaler.”

Researchers are basing their treatment on using a naturally-produced lung protein that carries protective properties. Tech Launch Arizona helps move research at the University to companies that can bring it to the world as developed products.

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