Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in the US. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundations of America, about 28 million people in the country have asthma or about 1 in 12 people. Despite its widespread occurrence, there’s currently no cure.
Asthma doesn’t have a cure, but treatments are available that can help you control the symptoms and live a normal, active life. These include:
Asthma treatments have come a long way, but managing asthma exacerbations remains a challenge for many people. Clinical trials are helping change that by exploring innovative therapies that target the root causes of asthma and provide better long-term control. Let’s look at how these trials work, the exciting treatments being developed, and what this could mean for people with asthma.
Clinical trials are research studies that test new medications, therapies, or approaches to managing diseases. For asthma, they’re opening the door to treatments beyond traditional options like metered dose inhalers and inhaled corticosteroids.
When you participate in a trial, researchers study how a new treatment affects asthma symptoms, quality of life, and overall lung function. They also monitor side effects to ensure the treatment is safe and effective. This process helps uncover better ways to control asthma and reduce asthma exacerbations.
One exciting area of research focuses on how the immune system triggers asthma symptoms. A recent study revealed that a protein called Piezo1 plays a role in calming overactive immune cells in the lungs. These cells, called ILC2s, are often hyperactivated by allergens like dust mites, leading to airway inflammation.
An experimental drug called Yoda1 has shown promise in activating Piezo1. In studies on mice, Yoda1 reduced airway inflammation and asthma symptoms by preventing the immune cells from overreacting. Researchers have even tested Yoda1 on humanized mice—mice engineered with human immune cells—and found similar results. This research study opens the door to new therapies targeting these immune responses in people with asthma.
Although more work is needed to develop drugs like Yoda1 for humans, these findings represent a huge step forward in understanding how to control asthma at its source.
Researchers are also running a series of other clinical trials to uncover better ways of managing asthma. Take Science 37, for instance. The organization is conducting a study called the EXHALE Severe Asthma Trials, which aims to find relief for those with severe asthma symptoms. The purpose of this study is to explore new treatment options that could improve asthma control and quality of life for patients who struggle with frequent asthma exacerbations despite current therapies.
The trials include two phases:
These trials investigate dexpramipexole tablets, a medication designed to reduce lung inflammation and provide better symptom management for severe asthma cases.
Clinical trials have already reshaped how asthma is treated today. For example, the development of biologic therapies like dupilumab and omalizumab stemmed from extensive research studies. These treatments target specific molecules in the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
Another breakthrough involved improving the design of metered dose inhalers to deliver asthma medications more effectively, making it easier for patients to use them during asthma attacks.
Joining a clinical trial can be a great way to try new treatments before they’re available to everyone. It also helps advance asthma research, which could lead to better treatments for millions of people. Plus, clinical trials are carefully monitored, and you’ll get support throughout the process.
For Science 37 clinical studies, you won’t have to pay for any of the study-related assessments. These could include things like:
All doctor visits, tests, and medications related to the study are free. You’ll also be paid for your time and travel. Before you start, you’ll get a document that explains everything about the trial. You’ll have plenty of time to read it and ask questions if necessary. Your study team is there to help and answer any questions you have.
Talk to your doctor first if you’re considering joining a clinical trial. They can help you understand the study and whether it’s the right choice for your asthma.
If you’re ready to be part of this exciting journey and help shape the future of asthma treatment, consider enrolling in a Science 37 clinical trial. Your participation could bring new relief to those with asthma and open doors to innovative therapies. Talk to your doctor today about how you can get involved and make a difference.
