Chiesi UK and Ireland has launched a new program to improve COPD diagnosis in the UK by providing NHS primary and community care organizations with access to Clario’s ArtiQ.Spiro, an AI-enabled spirometry decision support software. The program, called COSMIC, aims to increase NHS access to high-quality spirometry and strengthen the workforce’s diagnostic capacity.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks among the UK’s most prevalent respiratory illnesses, but many cases go undetected—an estimated two million people living with the disease without a diagnosis. Early detection is critical, as missed diagnoses can worsen symptoms and heighten the risk of severe flare-ups.
The burden of COPD falls unevenly across society, with socioeconomic deprivation associated with higher prevalence, poorer patient outcomes, and higher mortality. Claire Adams, Respiratory Clinical Lead, North-East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, noted that spirometry services were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and workforce challenges exist.
According to Adams, expanding access to ArtiQ.Spiro, a digital spirometry tool, could help close the diagnosis gap in COPD by clearing backlogs, improving patient reach, and boosting clinician confidence in their assessments. Since spirometry, which evaluates lung performance, is essential for diagnosing COPD, better tools could streamline the process.
The ArtiQ.Spiro platform assists healthcare providers by evaluating test accuracy, delivering standardized interpretations aligned with clinical guidelines, and estimating disease likelihood to aid decision-making. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has endorsed its use within the NHS for a three-year trial to gather evidence.
Shish Patel, Chiesi UK’s Senior Director of Medical Affairs, commented: ‘By combining Chiesi’s respiratory knowledge with AI-driven diagnostics, we can redefine how COPD is detected, especially in underserved communities.’ The initiative seeks to assist NHS primary and community services in identifying cases earlier, ensuring patients receive prompt care and improved health results.
With AI increasingly being used in healthcare, the program hopes to accelerate diagnosis and help address the inequalities that mean some communities face poorer health outcomes than others. The COSMIC program will provide access to ArtiQ.Spiro through collaborative working projects and donations, focusing on increasing NHS access to high-quality spirometry.
