He said last night: “It is great to trial a drug in Liverpool which will have a positive effect on the people in the city.

“COPD can devastate people’s lives, and flare-ups or attacks can be extremely frightening, so this is really exciting for those of us treating patients.

“It will not help everybody – we found one-in-seven were not suited because they showed adverse symptoms, such as feeling queasy – but it will relieve symptoms for many people and save lives.” The condition causes severe inflammation of the lungs, similar to asthma attacks, leaving sufferers gasping for breath and in need of emergency treatment.

The anti-inflammatory drug reduces the risk of “acute exacerbations”, when symptoms worsen severely and can last several days.

Experts believe it could help save thousands of lives in the UK every year and millions worldwide, and it is also beneficial because of its tablet, not inhaler, form.

Prof Calverley said: “Overall, there is no doubt that the results of the trials involving patients at Aintree and elsewhere are very exciting, and it will create significant interest at the conference in Vienna.”