The Temple Lung Center has performed the first procedure in the AIRFLOW-4 clinical trial, evaluating the investigational dNerva® Lung Denervation System — a novel, non-implant, bronchoscopic therapy designed to target the underlying neural drivers of COPD symptoms. Patient enrollment is currently underway.

This milestone reflects more than a single procedure. It underscores the Temple Lung Center’s role as one of the largest and most advanced COPD research hubs in the United States, where innovation is rapidly translated into real-world patient care.

A New Approach to COPD Management

The AIRFLOW-4 study is evaluating a one-time, outpatient bronchoscopic intervention that targets overactive airway nerves — an important and often underrecognized contributor to:

• Persistent dyspnea
• Mucus hypersecretion
• Frequent exacerbations

By modulating pulmonary nerve signaling, the dNerva system has the potential to improve lung function, reduce symptom burden, and decrease COPD flare-ups — without leaving behind a permanent implant.

Leadership Driving Innovation in COPD Care

This work is led by Gerard J. Criner, MD, FACP, FACCP, Director of the Temple Lung Center, an internationally recognized leader in pulmonary medicine and a pioneer in advancing COPD therapies.

Under his leadership, the Temple Lung Center has built an internationally recognized program that integrates:

• Groundbreaking clinical trials
• Advanced interventional pulmonology
• Comprehensive medical management and longitudinal care

The Impact for Patients with COPD

COPD affects millions of patients worldwide and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, often marked by progressive airflow limitation, debilitating symptoms, and recurrent exacerbations.

While existing therapies — including inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and bronchoscopic or surgical interventions — have improved outcomes, many patients remain symptomatic and experience frequent flare-ups.

Targeting airway nerve signaling introduces a new therapeutic pathway, offering a potential option for patients who continue to struggle despite guideline-directed care.

About the AIRFLOW-4 Clinical Trial

The AIRFLOW-4 study is a multicenter clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of targeted lung denervation using the investigational dNerva system.

Key study details include:

• Enrollment of patients across leading centers in the United States
• Evaluation of a single, outpatient bronchoscopic procedure
• Longitudinal follow-up to assess exacerbation reduction and symptom improvement

Patients may be eligible if they:

• Are between the ages of 40 and 80
• Have moderate to severe COPD
• Demonstrate lung hyperinflation despite medical therapy

The Nation’s Most Comprehensive COPD Program

The Temple Lung Center offers one of the most comprehensive COPD programs in the nation, providing access to the full spectrum of advanced therapies and clinical research opportunities.

Program capabilities include:

• Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR): Temple was the first center in the U.S. to perform BLVR, with leadership in the pivotal trials that established endobronchial valve therapy
• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): One of the nation’s most experienced and highest-volume programs, and among a select group of Medicare-qualified centers
• Clinical trials access: A robust portfolio of investigational device and pharmacologic studies for COPD
• Multidisciplinary care for complex patients: A collaborative approach to managing high-acuity patients, including those referred after being turned away elsewhere

The Temple Lung Center’s ability to evaluate, treat, and enroll appropriate patients into trials like AIRFLOW-4 ensures that referring physicians have access to expanded options for patients with persistent symptoms.

A Seamless Referral Experience

The Temple Lung Center partners closely with referring physicians to streamline evaluation and treatment.

Our team:

• Reviews each patient comprehensively to determine trial eligibility or alternative treatment options
• Coordinates all aspects of care and intervention
• Maintains clear and consistent communication with referring providers

Now Enrolling Patients

We are actively enrolling patients into the AIRFLOW-4 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07051707).

For more information on currently enrolling clinical trials at the Temple Lung Center, click here.

To refer a patient to the COPD program or for a clinical trial, click here.