Lung diseases are, not only in Germany but throughout the world, one of the most frequent causes of death and disease and constitute an immense and growing burden on the health systems.

For most of the chronic lung diseases there are currently hardly any effective therapeutic approaches. The areas of research focus in Hannover lie in the endstage and obstructive lung diseases. Using state-of-the-art technology, BREATH characterizes patients with obstructive lung diseases, in order to establish therapeutic approaches and prevention strategies and personalized medicine for the patient.

The BREATH research network unites in a unique way internationally recognized expertise in translational pulmonary medicine. Well established animal model systems as well as clinical studies, based on large patient cohorts and carried out to the highest standards, are employed.