American Lung Association Gives South Florida First Asthma Research Center; University of Miami School of Medicine to Host Center.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--May 23, 2000

Twelve-year old Ryan Veranich was born with asthma and because his condition is so severe, has spent time as a homebound student as a result of his condition. His mother, Cindy Veranich, is excited about the American Lung Association of South Florida funding the first Asthma Clinical Research Center.

The American Lung Association of South Florida's $500,000 funding commitment over the next five years will provide answers that may improve the health to more than 200,000 South Floridians who suffer from asthma. The Asthma Research Center will be located at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

"I am excited there will be a facility so close to home with the asthma expertise and resources to further investigate asthma," said Cindy Veranich. "Although Ryan has finally been able to find a treatment plan that is allowing him to take more control over his condition, it is encouraging to know the Asthma Research Center is dedicated to finding a cure and improving our overall quality of life."

The Asthma Clinical Research Center is the most recent phase of Asthmattack!, an effort by the American Lung Association to create a network of Asthma Clinical Research Centers throughout the United States. Asthmattack! is focused on identifying the best and brightest research scientists with an interest in asthma, who are affiliated with institutions that are supportive of their quest for knowledge about what causes the condition to develop and how best to treat it. Equally, the program reaches out to scientists who may not have been involved in asthma research, but whose expertise in other areas can complement the effort to clarify a basic understanding of how asthma develops, why it afflicts certain population groups more than others, and how it can be controlled. As a result, the Asthma Clinical Research Center in South Florida will treat patients, representing a wide range of age, gender and ethnic groups, through clinical studies.

"Because we have a better understanding of the disease, this is an exciting time to be involved in the care of patients with asthma. Today, more methods are available to not only treat the symptoms, but to prevent recurrences which allow patients to lead normal, active lives," said Glenn R. Singer, M.D., FACP, FCCP past president of the American Lung Association and Associate Director of Pulmonary Medicine at Broward General Medical Center.

Facts About Asthma:

--  The alarming increase in asthma's prevalence, morbidity and
    mortality has triggered serious concern among physicians and
    scientists.
--  More than 15 million Americans suffer from asthma, and more than
    five million of which are children.
--  Asthma is the leading serious chronic illnesses of children in the
    United States.
--  Among children ages 5 to 17, asthma is responsible for more than
    10 million school days lost each year.
--  Children with asthma average almost eight school days missed per
    year, as compared to less than three days for children without
    asthma.
--  The prevalence of asthma in the general population increased by
    more than 63 percent between 1982 and 1985. It increased by more
    than 86 percent among children.
--  It cost our country over $11 billion per year.
--  Asthma kills. The death rate for asthma has increased almost 56
    percent since 1979.
--  Asthma affects minority groups disproportionately to the general
    population. African Americans represent one in eight of the U.S.
    population, but more than one in five deaths from asthma.

Facts About Asthma Clinical Research Center:

--  South Florida Center joins a network, consisting of 19 Centers,
    plus a Data Coordinating Center, making it the largest of its kind
    and represents a novel way of conducting clinical research.
--  Provides a uniquely large and diverse patient population such that
    the results will be generalized to the greater population of the
    United States.
--  Will include both pediatric and adult asthma centers, allowing
    researchers to examine the full spectrum of patients with asthma.
--  Will conduct large-scale, randomized studies, and will expertly
    analyze the results.
--  Will be able to produce medically reliable answers to previously
    unanswered questions about life or death asthma treatment
    decisions.

About America Lung Association

Founded in 1904, the American Lung Association is the oldest not-for-profit health agency in America. The American Lung Association of South Florida serves five counties including Dade, Broward, Glades, Hendry, and Monroe. Its mission is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health in South Florida through patient services, programs, public education and research. In addition to helping people with asthma, American Lung Association of South Florida strives to help those individuals suffering with lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, TB, pneumonia, influenza, occupational lung problems, respiratory allergies, lung problems caused by air pollution and infant pulmonary disorders.