In the HUNT Biobank in Norway, no association of PCSK9 genetic variants with risks of asthma (6858 cases) or COPD (6685 cases) was identified, although there was a nominal association with rhinitis68; in that study, the association with URTI was not reported and it is also unclear whether COPD was prevalent or represented acute exacerbations of disease. Here, PCSK9 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.