Osborne Park resident finds new hope in COPD clinical trial

For more than nine years, Jean Jolley, a resident of Osborne Park, has been grappling with COPD and emphysema. A new clinical trial conducted by the Institute for Respiratory Health in Midland could help Jean breathe a lot easier.

Jean started participating in the clinical trial in September 2023 and says she’s experienced some positive results including being able to perform household chores more effectively and having a better night’s sleep.

“I am coughing less and do not wake up in the middle of the night with a coughing fit. It feels good to be able to sleep through the night,” Mrs Jolley said.

This is the first research study Mrs Jolley has participated in. She was motivated to take part in the research as she wanted to take control of her health. “I was also driven by my desire to help friends and family who might have the lung condition now or later on in life and thought the findings of the research might help others.”

The Institute for Respiratory Health opened a new clinical trial centre in Midland in September 2023. It also has a centre in Nedlands in the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

It has worked with more than 2,400 volunteers over the past two decades. And it has conducted more than 250 research studies across a range of lung conditions including asthma, COPD, COVID-19 and cystic fibrosis to name a few.

“We have a strong global track record of success, outstanding facilities, world-class respiratory doctors and nurses and like to lead the way in respiratory clinical trials,” Meagan Shorten, manager of clinical trials at the Institute for Respiratory Health said.

“We couldn’t undertake our life-changing trials without wonderful volunteers like Jean, whose commitment is key to advancing lung health research and improving the quality of life for those with lung disease globally.”

For those who have a lung condition you can contact the Institute for Respiratory Health directly by visiting their website – respclinicaltrials.org.au to find out what clinical trials they are currently running. You can also sign up online or call them directly on 0419 011 766.

Mrs Jolley is a regular volunteer receiving the Senior Community Citizen Volunteer of the Year in 2023 from the City of Stirling.