The group of Naokiyuki TANIGUCHI at RIKEN has found that the L4″-disaccharide, a di-sulfated galactose-acetylglucosamine, suppressed the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD (pulmonary emphysema) in COPD model mice. Detailed examination of lungs after administration of L4 showed that the number of inflammation-causing leukocytes such as neutrophils and macrophages accumulating in the lung decreased and the amount of proinflammatory substances and alveolar disrupting enzymes secreted by these leukocytes also decreased.”

RIKEN news release, January 5, 2017