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  5. Divay Chandra, MD
Divay Chandra, MD

Divay Chandra, MD

University of Pittsburgh

Research Project:
Developing Lithium as a Therapy for Emphysema

Grant Awarded:

  • ACRC Pilot Grant

Research Topics:

  • clinical research
  • combination therapies experimental therapeutics

Research Diseases:

  • COPD
  • emphysema

We will investigate if lithium can protect against the progression of lung impairment in smokers. Lithium is everywhere in the environment and is therefore present in our food and drinking water. Lithium intake from these environmental sources has been associated with multiple beneficial effects, including improved survival. We will assess lithium levels in the bloodstream of smokers who participated in a prior research study and determine whether these levels are associated with the reduced progression of lung disease. We will also assess lithium levels in the circulation and lung tissue to determine if they are similar. The overall objective of this proposal is to use data from observational studies to prepare lithium as a treatment for lung disease that can be tested in clinical trials in the future.

Page last updated: October 7, 2024

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