NCT07051707 · Nuvaira, Inc.
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of dNerva Lung Denervation System in Patients With COPD
(AIRFLOW-4)
What this study is about
The dNerva Lung Denervation System is one-time treatment intended to improve breathing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients on standard medical care. The purpose of this study is to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the Nuvaira Lung Denervation System in the treatment of COPD.
View original scientific description
The dNerva Lung Denervation System is one-time treatment intended to improve breathing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients on standard medical care. The purpose of this study is to confirm the safety and efficacy of the Nuvaira Lung Denervation System in the treatment of COPD.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- ≥ 40 and ≤ 80 years of age at the time of consent.
- Women of childbearing potential must not be pregnant, evidenced by a negative pregnancy test (blood or urine) pre-treatment, or lactating and agree not to become pregnant for the duration of the study.
- Smoking history of at least 10 pack years.
- Not smoking or using any other inhaled substance (e.g. cigarettes, vaping, cannabis, pipes) for a minimum of 2 months prior to consent and agrees to not start for the duration of the study.
- Resting SpO2 ≥ 89% on room air.
- MMRC ≥ 2; CAT score ≥ 10.
- Diagnosis of moderate to severe COPD as defined by FEV1/FVC \< 70% (post-bronchodilator), 25% ≤ FEV1 ≤ 70% predicted, and PaCO2 \< 50 (if FEV1 \< 30%).
- RV ≥ 175% of predicted and RV/TLC \> 55% (post-bronchodilator).
- Participant is on standard medical care, defined as a minimum of therapy with LABA/ICS, LAMA/LABA, or LAMA/LABA/ICS for at least 2 months prior to consent.
- If subject has participated in a formal pulmonary rehabilitation program recently, program completion must have occurred ≥3 months prior to consent; if in a maintenance program, subject agrees to continue their current program through their 12-month follow-up visit; NOTE: Prior participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program is not required for inclusion in the study.
- Participant is a candidate for bronchoscopy in the opinion of the investigator or per hospital guidelines and is able to discontinue blood thinning medication peri-procedurally.
- Participant is able and agrees to complete all protocol required baseline and follow up tests and assessments including taking certain medications (e.g., azithromycin, prednisolone/prednisone).
Exclusion criteria
- Body Mass Index (BMI) \<18 or \>32.
- Participant has an implantable electronic device and has not received appropriate medical clearance.
- Uncontrolled diabetes in the opinion of the investigator.
- 4 or more respiratory related hospitalizations within 1 year of consent.
- Malignancy treated with radiation or chemotherapy within 1 year of consent.
- Participant diagnosed with a dominant non-COPD lung disease, or condition affecting the lungs, which is the main driver of the participant's clinical symptoms (e.g., cystic fibrosis, paradoxical vocal cord motion, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, interstitial lung disease or active tuberculosis or Asthma) or has a documented medical history of pneumothorax within 1 year of consent.
- Clinically relevant bronchiectasis, defined as \> 1/3 cup mucous expectoration daily.
- Pre-existing diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, clinical evidence of pulmonary hypertension (e.g., cardiovascular function impairment including peripheral edema) and mPAP ≥25 mmHg at rest by right heart catheterization (or estimated right ventricular systolic pressure \>50 mmHg by echocardiogram if no previous right heart catheterization).
- Myocardial infarction within last 6 months, evidence of life-threatening arrhythmias or acute ischemia, pre-existing documented evidence of a LVEF \< 40%, stage C or D (ACC/AHA) or Class III or IV (NYHA) congestive heart failure.
- Surgical procedure(s) on the stomach, esophagus or pancreas performed ≤2 years of consent, or ongoing related symptoms within the past year.
- Symptomatic gastric motility disorder(s) (e.g., gastroparesis) as evidenced by GCSI score ≥18.0, severe uncontrolled GERD (e.g., refractory heartburn, endoscopic esophagitis) or severe dysphagia (e.g., esophageal stricture, achalasia, esophageal spasm). NOTE: Participants with a hiatal hernia are allowed if Participant meets all other enrollment criteria.
- Any disease or condition that might interfere with completion of a procedure or this study (e.g., structural esophageal disorder, life expectancy \<3 years).
- Prior lung or chest procedure (e.g., BLVR explant procedure, median sternotomy, bullectomy, lobectomy, segmentectomy or other interventional lung or chest procedure) performed ≤1 year of consent? Participants with lung transplant, BLVR valves, LVRS, metal stents within 5cm of the anticipated treatment location; presence of lung volume reduction valves, coils or other lung implants.
- Daily use of \>20 mg of prednisone or its equivalent at the time of consent.
- Known contraindication or allergy to medications required for bronchoscopy or general anesthesia (e.g., lidocaine, atropine, propofol, sevoflurane) that cannot be medically controlled.
- Baseline chest CT scan reveals bronchial anatomy cannot be treated with available catheter sizes; presence of whole lung emphysema \>20% (-950 HU), single lung emphysema \>26% (-950 HU), severe bullous disease (\>1/3 hemithorax) or discovery of a mass that requires treatment.
- Participant is currently enrolled in another drug or interventional clinical trial that has not completed follow-up.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Detroit, Michigan
- Salem, North Carolina
- Columbus, Ohio
- DuBois, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Richmond, Virginia
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations