The COPD Foundation Launches COPD Hospital Readmissions Reduction Initiative Sponsored by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

WASHINGTON--()--The COPD Foundation, today announced the launch of the COPD Praxis program – A Readmissions Collaboratory which will Prevent and Reduce COPD Admissions through eXpertise and Innovation Sharing. As part of the Praxis program, in early 2015, the COPD Foundation will host the 2nd Readmission two-day Summit, bringing together key stakeholders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including patients, caregivers, policy makers and healthcare professionals, with the unified goal of helping to reduce the impact of COPD exacerbations and hospital readmissions. Sunovion Pharmaceuticals is laying the groundwork as the founding sponsor of the COPD Praxis program which will help address the unmet needs within the COPD care continuum.

Affecting more than 24 million Americans, COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by breathlessness, wheezing and cough with or without sputum. It can lead to hospitalizations due to worsening symptoms including exacerbations. COPD-related exacerbations cause approximately 800,000 annual hospitalizations and 1.5 million emergency room visits. Exacerbation-related costs account for nearly 70% of the estimated $50 billion in annual expenditures attributed to COPD and readmission-related expenses rank third highest among Medicare beneficiaries. In an effort to address this burden, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has included COPD in its Hospital Readmissions Reductions Program (HRRP) and as of October 1, 2014, hospitals are penalized with reduced Medicare reimbursement if they demonstrate excessive 30-day COPD patient readmission rates.

“As the leading organization committed to improving the lives of patients with COPD, we recognize the growing need for information, education and expertise to reduce COPD-related hospital readmissions through better health management across the continuum of care,” said John Walsh, Co-founder and President of the COPD Foundation. “Our mission with the COPD Praxis program is that the collaborative and multidisciplinary effort, including the 2nd Readmissions Summit, will help identify gaps and solutions to turn the tide toward more proactive patient-centric care.”

Building upon the dialogue started at the COPD Readmissions Summit hosted by the COPD Foundation in October 2013, the 2nd Readmissions Summit will explore factors of COPD management across the care continuum and will involve thought leaders from a spectrum of specialties, as well as patients and caregivers. It will advance the scientific knowledge around reducing avoidable COPD readmissions, improving outcomes for patients and encouraging the dissemination and implementation of best practices, tools, new ideas and innovative technologies.

“As a pioneer in respiratory care, Sunovion is proud to continue its support and efforts as founding sponsor of the COPD Praxis Readmissions Collaboratory,” said Tony Magnetti, Vice President of Government Affairs at Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. “Hospital readmissions is a significant issue for the COPD community and society, and consensus on ways to address this issue is urgently needed.”

About the COPD Foundation

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary and a decade of progress, the COPD Foundation’s (www.COPDFoundation.org) mission is to prevent and cure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and improve the lives of all people affected by COPD. To learn more or get involved, call the C.O.P.D. Information Line, 1-866-316-COPD (2673). Healthcare providers are encouraged to visit our new open access, peer-reviewed medical journal, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.

About Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Sunovion is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutic products that advance the science of medicine in the Psychiatry, Neurology and Respiratory disease areas and improve the lives of patients and their families. Sunovion, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Marlborough, Mass. More information about Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is available at sunovion.com.

Contacts

Medical Dynamics
Tessa Kurman Ali, 646-599-8628
tkurmanali@rxmedyn.com

Contacts

Medical Dynamics
Tessa Kurman Ali, 646-599-8628
tkurmanali@rxmedyn.com