Sodium Pyruvate Therapy in COPD Patients

In animal models, sodium pyruvate has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, and in human studies sodium pyruvate has been shown to be a bronchodilating agent. Subjects with COPD are known to have inflammation in the lung, and often have bronchoconstriction. As such, these subjects typically are on multiple therapies, including steroid therapy. This trial will study the effect of inhaled sodium pyruvate on inflammation and lung function in COPD subjects over a six week period.