Asthma affects more than 25 million Americans and ranges from mild, occasional symptoms to severe disease requiring daily controller medications. Current treatment centers on inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, but about 10% of people have severe asthma that doesn't respond well to standard inhalers. Biologics targeting specific inflammatory pathways have opened new options for people whose asthma remains uncontrolled.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new biologics that target different parts of the immune system, long-acting bronchodilators combined with anti-inflammatory drugs, and treatments for specific asthma types identified by biomarkers. Researchers are also studying whether early aggressive treatment in children can change the disease course, and testing drugs that may reduce the airway remodeling that happens over time.
Targeted biologics
Drugs like dupilumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab block specific immune signals that drive severe asthma. Trials are testing new biologics targeting different pathways and studying which patients benefit most from which drug.
Bronchial thermoplasty
This procedure uses heat to reduce excess smooth muscle in airways. Studies are refining who benefits and developing improved devices.
Pediatric prevention
Trials in young children are testing whether starting controller medications early, even before asthma is diagnosed, can prevent airway damage. Some studies focus on children at high risk based on wheezing patterns and allergies.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on asthma severity, how often symptoms occur, lung function tests, biomarker levels like eosinophil count or IgE, and what medications you're currently taking.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic trials — Testing new injectable or infused drugs that target specific immune pathways. These trials typically enroll people with severe asthma not controlled by standard inhalers.
- Inhaler trials — Testing new combinations of inhaled medications, often comparing once-daily or single-inhaler options to current multi-inhaler regimens.
- Pediatric trials — Studies in children testing early treatment approaches, new formulations designed for young children, and whether aggressive early control changes long-term outcomes.
- Severe asthma trials — Testing treatments for people who have frequent attacks despite maximum standard therapy. May include biologics, add-on pills, or procedures.
- Phenotype studies — Research identifying different asthma types based on biomarkers, aiming to match treatments to specific disease mechanisms.
Recently added Asthma trials
The LITTLE OWLS Study (in German: "Kleine Eulen OWL"): Exploring the Early-life Microbiome Development and Physical and Mental Health Outcomes During Childhood.
The LITTLE OWLS study is a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort study investigating early-life microbiome development and its association with physical and mental health outcomes during childhood. Recruitment began in 2024, enrolling families from late pregnancy through the child's first 6 years of life, with a target of at least 1000- 1200 children and their families. The study characterizes longitudinal microbiome trajectories-including resilience and dysbiosis-and their relationship to common chronic diseases. Data are collected via online surveys, symptom and medication diaries, annual clinical exams, and repeated biological sampling of the child, mother, father/partner, siblings, and household environment. Findings are intended to support future diagnostics, prevention, and therapy for common chronic physical and mental diseases.
Chronic Respiratory Disease Participant Engagement Study
This study is designed for adults who have, or suspected to have, a long-term respiratory (lung) condition such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis, or interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aim of the study is to help participants become familiar with the clinical trials unit environment and research team before deciding whether they would like to take part in future clinical trials. Participants will attend a study visit at the clinical trials unit, where they will receive a guided tour of the facilities and undergo a range of routine health assessments. These may include a review of their medical history, measurements of height, weight, blood pressure and oxygen levels, breathing tests, blood tests, heart tracing (ECG), liver assessment, and questionnaires about their symptoms and quality of life. Some participants may also undergo genetic testing if it is clinically appropriate and previous results are not available. The information collected will help establish a clinical baseline and improve understanding of how respiratory diseases affect people in everyday life. The study will also explore how symptoms and quality of life relate to clinical measurements and other health information. Participants will be contacted after their visit to discuss any clinically relevant findings and to answer any questions they may have. If a previously unrecognised condition is identified, participants will be advised appropriately and, with their consent, their GP may be informed to support any further care that may be needed. The findings from this study may help improve the design of future clinical trials and support the development of more patient-centred research.
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