Boehringer Ingelheim helps raise awareness of progressive lung disease

Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to join hands with industry, media and public-interest partners to advance the prevention and treatment of major chronic diseases such as respiratory diseases and contribute to the realization of the Healthy China initiative, an executive of the company said.

Chen Wenhan, general manager of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China, was speaking at the Beijing leg of a charity event series called "Breathe Beyond the 'Honeycomb': Pulmonary Fibrosis Care Initiative," which aims to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and potentially life-threatening lung disease in which lung tissue becomes increasingly scarred, affecting the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen.

China remains a key strategic market for the company, which will continue investing in innovation, public health education and collaboration with local healthcare, media and public-interest partners to promote respiratory health and contribute to broader public health goals, Chen said.

The event, held at the foot of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, was jointly launched by Boehringer Ingelheim, CNR.cn under China Media Group, Tencent Medipedia and several patient organizations.

The campaign uses a giant "honeycomb lung" art installation to raise public awareness of pulmonary fibrosis. Following its debut at Shanghai's North Bund earlier this year, the installation has arrived at the Great Wall for its second stop. One side depicts a healthy, elastic lung, while the other visualizes the stiff, scarred and honeycomb-like appearance associated with pulmonary fibrosis.

Through a combination of public education, art and digital communication, the initiative aims to help more people recognize the early signs of pulmonary fibrosis and seek professional medical advice in a timely manner. Early symptoms of the condition, such as persistent dry cough and shortness of breath, may be mistaken for common respiratory conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Dong Yuan contributed to this story.