Why Join Asthma Clinical Trials? A Guide to Seeking New Solutions

If you live with asthma, you may still have trouble with symptoms even on your regular medication. It’s frustrating, especially when it seems like nothing fully keeps those flare-ups at bay. But you’re not alone in wanting better ways to manage asthma and find lasting relief. That’s why clinical trials are crucial.

Clinical trials often explore new potential treatments and therapies for asthma. They’re the gold standard for testing how well new medications or approaches work, giving doctors and researchers clear insights into what might genuinely help. So, why should you consider joining an asthma clinical trial? This blog will highlight the benefits of clinical trials, what you can expect, and how they might open doors to new solutions designed to help you breathe better.

Asthma Overview

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects both children and adults. It’s characterized by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma affects around 28 million people in the US, which translates to about 1 in 12 people. Asthma symptoms vary from one person to another, and may include:

• A persistent cough, especially at night
• Chest tightness, making it hard to breathe deeply
• Trouble breathing (shortness of breath), sometimes even when resting
• Wheezing when exhaling – and sometimes when inhaling

These symptoms may worsen when you have a cold or when there’s a change in the weather. Other triggers include smoke, pollen, dust, strong perfume and soaps, animal feathers and furs, etc.

Although asthma has no cure, it can be managed effectively with bronchodilators and steroid inhalers, which help ease symptoms and prevent exacerbations. However, despite advances in asthma management, acute exacerbations continue to occur, posing significant challenges for patients of all ages and placing considerable strain on healthcare resources, and the lives of those affected.

The Role of Asthma Clinical Trials and Why You Should Join

Asthma clinical trials always look for new ways to treat asthma, going beyond what’s already out there. When you join one, you can access innovative treatments before they’re available to the public. You also get to work with specialists who can help you understand asthma on a deeper level and improve your quality of life.

How Clinical Trials Expand Asthma Treatment Options

Clinical trials are constantly testing new asthma medications and therapies to help control asthma better. Some trials work on refining inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), while others look into new treatments like biologics, which target specific cells or proteins involved in asthma. These trials aim to create options to make breathing easier, reduce asthma attacks, and let you enjoy life without worrying about flare-ups.

Why Consider Joining an Asthma Clinical Trial?

There are some great reasons to consider joining a clinical trial if you have asthma:

1. Access to new treatments: You’ll be among the first to try new asthma medications or therapies. If your current treatment isn’t fully working, these new options could be worth exploring.
2. Help shape future asthma care: You contribute to necessary research that can improve asthma care. Your experience helps doctors understand what treatments work best for different people.

Personalized attention and care: Clinical trials give you access to specialists who will check on you regularly. They’ll consider your medical history, asthma type and needs to provide you with better insights into managing your asthma.

What to Expect with Safety in Clinical Trials

Safety is always the priority in clinical trials. Before you begin, the trial team will review any risk factors and help you understand the process. You’ll have regular check-ins with the medical team at the research center to monitor your health and track how well the treatment works. They’re there to support you every step of the way, keeping you informed and safe.

The Benefits of Clinical Trial Involvement

Here are some reason why you should participate in a clinical trial:

1. Many trials focus on treatments that aim to reduce asthma symptoms long-term, helping you go about your day without as many disruptions.
2. In a clinical trial, you’re monitored closely, often for a set time, like 12 weeks. Some, like Science 37’s EXHALE-2 and EXHALE 3, may run for up to 14 months. This regular check-in helps doctors see how your body responds and can make a big difference in how well the treatment works.
3. When you join the trials, you become a part of valuable asthma research that could change how asthma is treated. This experience not only brings you closer to experts but also offers a glimpse into the latest in clinical research for pulmonary disease.
4. Many clinical trials cover the costs associated with participation, including medication, visits, and tests. This can ease the financial burden of managing asthma and accessing cutting-edge treatments.

How Clinical Trials Shape the Future of Asthma Treatment

Each clinical trial adds to what doctors and researchers know about asthma. Even if a trial doesn’t lead to a new treatment, it provides insights that can improve future medical trials and help others with asthma down the line. Your involvement makes a lasting impact and brings us all closer to better, more personalized asthma care.

Ready to Explore an Asthma Clinical Trial?

Deciding to join a clinical trial is a big step, but it’s one that offers hope for you and countless others with asthma. If you’re interested, contact a local research center to find out about ongoing studies and see if one is a fit for you. You can also join Science 37’s Severe Asthma Study.Science 37's study gives you a chance to try Dexpramipexol tablets that could help with asthma. All related assessments will be at no cost to you and may include vital signs checks, physical examinations, pregnancy tests, clinical lab tests and urinalysis, lung function tests, and ECG. You will also be compensated for your time and travel for visits.