The Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center has a rich and varied history and background. The Center started in 1971 as a small, specialized research effort in respiratory sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The Center started when the
The Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center has a rich and varied history and background. The Center started in 1971 as a small, specialized research effort in respiratory sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The Center started when the National Institute of Health (NIH) awarded a Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) grant to two physicians at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine. The grant supported what has now become a 25+ year interdisciplinary study of obstructive lung disease involving 5,000 Tucson residents. The study has been called a national resource by the NIH for its contributions to our understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
As research progressed within the SCOR Study, so did the Center. In fact, the A2DRC grew and prospered into what is today known as the Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center. Through the years, our internationally-recognized researchers have investigated respiratory issues in areas of genetics, physiology, immunology, molecular and cell biology, pediatrics, radiology, and cardiology. Our investigators have produced life-changing research in asthma and some have even used their research to impact legislation.
The Center is one of 19 institutions in the United States designated an Airway Clinical Research Center by the American Lung Association dedicated to improving asthma care in diverse populations through clinical research studies. We were among a small prestigious group of pulmonary institutions to participate in the Childhood Asthma Research Education (CARE) and AsthmaNet networks. These cohorts were created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to develop and conduct clinical trials that explore new approaches for treating asthma in children and adults. Currently, the A2DRC is one of ten sites nationwide participating in NHLBI- funded ORBEX trial aimed at preventing childhood wheezing and the development of asthma.
The Asthma & Airway Research Center may have sprouted from one NIH-funded study in obstructive lung disease but has now grown into a world-renowned Center of research and excellence. We are dedicated to furthering our research, clinical care, medical education, and community service in the areas of adult and pediatric pulmonary medicine. We look forward to being a part of the efforts that will change the history of lung disease as we know it.