Asthma Clinical Trials
Asthma Trials at a Glance
428 actively recruiting trials for asthma are listed on ClinicalTrialsFinder across 6 cities in 65 countries. The largest study group is Not Applicable with 130 trials, with the heaviest enrollment activity in Miami, Boston, and London. Lead sponsors running asthma studies include AstraZeneca, University of Colorado, Denver, and Chinese University of Hong Kong.
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Top cities for asthma trials
Treatments under study
Understanding Asthma Clinical Trials
Omalizumab (Xolair), approved in 2003 after clinical trials demonstrated its ability to reduce severe asthma attacks by targeting IgE antibodies, ushered in the era of biologic therapy for asthma. Subsequent trials delivered dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and tezepelumab — each targeting different inflammatory pathways and collectively transforming the management of severe asthma. These breakthroughs were only possible through clinical trial participation, and ongoing trials are now tackling remaining challenges including non-eosinophilic severe asthma, asthma remission, and reducing dependence on oral corticosteroids.
Why Consider a Clinical Trial?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Asthma clinical trials
Not necessarily. While many biologic trials focus on severe asthma, there are also trials for moderate asthma, exercise-induced asthma, and newly diagnosed asthma. Some trials study prevention strategies in children at high risk of developing asthma. The eligibility criteria vary widely by study.
Most asthma trials do not require you to stop your controller medications (inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators). However, some trials may include a steroid reduction phase where your inhaled steroid dose is gradually lowered to see if the study drug maintains control independently. You will always have access to your rescue inhaler.
Trials have safety protocols specifically designed for patients with frequent exacerbations. These include regular lung function monitoring, 24-hour contact with the study team, and clear guidelines for when to seek emergency care. If your asthma worsens significantly, the trial protocol will have a predefined plan, which may include rescue medication or withdrawal from the study.
Most asthma trials require spirometry, a breathing test that measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly. You will typically need to demonstrate reversibility — meaning your lung function improves after using a bronchodilator. Some trials also require FeNO testing, methacholine challenge tests, or peak flow monitoring at home.
Yes. Pediatric asthma trials are available, and they include additional safety protections and age-appropriate study designs. Trials for children are particularly important because asthma medications approved for adults cannot always be assumed to work the same way in children. Pediatric allergists and pulmonologists at academic centers are the best source for finding these trials.
Showing 1–20 of 428 trials