β2AR agonists have two functional forms: short-acting agonists used predominantly as fast-acting bronchodilators in treating asthma and other acute bronchial disorders, and long-acting agonists that are used to manage and control chronic, long-term bronchial diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The gene discussed is ADRB2; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.