American Lung Association picks KU Medical Center as research hub for COVID-19

The struggle to breathe is well-documented symptom for those battling COVID-19, so how is the disease best treated for those with existing respiratory problems, such as asthma? A study to address that question, along with other research related to lung issues, is being supported by the American Lung Association and its research arm, the Airways Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC). The University of Kansas Medical Center recently expanded its position in the ACRC from member to consortium hub, which gives KU Medical Center the responsibility to mentor and lead other universities in its group.

KU Medical Center will be one of nine hub leaders for the ACRC's COVID-19 Action Initiative, a $25 million project from the American Lung Association. The initiative's goals are to:

• Expand respiratory research
• Fund grants for coronavirus vaccines and other prevention measures
• Provide additional grants for research evaluating the effects of COVID-19 on patients with chronic lung disease
• Enhance key public health measures through education and advocacy

Mario Castro, MD, MPH, division chief for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will act as principal investigator. Castro said. "The ACRC network has answered some of the most important clinical questions we need to manage our patients with asthma, COPD and chronic cough. Now we are leveraging this expertise to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic."

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