Asthma Clinical Trials: Frequently Asked Questions
Asthma clinical trials need volunteers to take part so new treatments can move forward. But the process of finding and volunteering for a clinical trial can be challenging to figure out. We answered some common questions about asthma clinical trials to help interested patients find opportunities that are a match for them.
How do I find asthma clinical trials near me?
There are currently 333 clinical trials for asthma looking for volunteers. All clinical trials are listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, but because the website was designed for researchers rather than for patients, the listings can be difficult to understand for those without a medical background. Some patients find out about clinical trials from their doctors. If your doctor isn’t aware of any trials that may be right for you, you can also use trial search tools to find potential matches. Antidote created a tool specifically for patients: simply answer a few questions about your asthma, and receive a list of trials you may qualify for in your area. Then, you can reach out to the people running the trial for more information.
What is the goal of asthma clinical trials?
Every clinical trial sets out a goal before it launches — this goal depends on the phase of the trial, the condition, and the drug itself. Phase 1 clinical trials only test for safety, rather than for the effectiveness of a drug. Phase 2 and 3 trials test for both safety and effectiveness. Phase 4, or post-marketing studies, continue to follow patients using the drug after it's already been approved. Some trials test the effectiveness of a potential new treatment against the existing standard of care, while others use a placebo. Other studies are observational, in which participants are broken into groups based on a particular criteria, such as age, and then are observed for health outcomes so that researchers can learn more about the condition. Participants may take particular medications, but are not given a medical intervention in these studies.
I have severe asthma. Are there clinical trials for me?
Many asthma clinical trials are researching treatments that work better for patients with severe asthma than existing options. If your asthma symptoms aren't well controlled on your current medication, a clinical trial could be a good option for you.
My child has asthma. Can they take part in clinical trials?
Some clinical trials do look for pediatric patients to take part. Of course, in order for a child under 18 to take part in a trial, a parent or guardian must give consent as well. Studies that involve children also have additional protections from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Research suggests that children's brains respond differently to medication than adult brains do, which is one reason clinical trials specifically for children are important.
What are the benefits and risks of joining clinical trials for asthma?
The benefits of joining a clinical trial include the opportunity to access a potential new treatment, receive care from asthma experts, and help move research forward. The risk in any clinical trial is that the treatment won't work, you'll receive a placebo, or you'll experience unwanted side effects from the treatment. When you're considering taking part in a trial, talk with your doctor to help decide if it's the right option for you.
What treatments are currently in development for asthma?
Some current asthma research is looking into how to better treat symptoms in patients with uncontrolled asthma. For example, studies are looking into better treatments to reduce inflammation in air passages to prevent asthma attacks. Other trials are looking into how using technology to track medication use can help improve symptoms.
Interested? Start your search for asthma clinical trials below.
