BONG: Reducing severe Breathlessness with Dronabinol in the severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient group
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult. For people with severe COPD, constant breathlessness can get in the way of everyday tasks and affect their quality of life. This trial looks at whether a medicine called dronabinol can help relieve these breathing troubles. Participants will take either dronabinol or a dummy pill (placebo) for four weeks. Researchers will compare how breathless people feel each day during the study. They will also look at whether the medicine improves walking ability, sleep, lung function, and mood. By comparing the real medicine to the dummy pill, doctors can gather clear evidence about whether dronabinol works well and is safe for people living with advanced COPD.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often called COPD, is a condition that causes long-term damage to the lungs and airways. Many people with severe COPD experience a distressing feeling of breathlessness that never quite goes away, even when resting. Standard inhalers and treatments help, but they do not always take away this difficult symptom. Doctors are searching for new ways to make everyday breathing easier and less frightening.
This study, named the BONG trial, is looking at a medicine called dronabinol. Dronabinol is a manufactured form of a compound that works on certain natural receptors in the body and brain. Researchers believe it may help calm the body's sensation of breathlessness. In this trial, doctors want to see if taking dronabinol can reduce how intense breathing difficulties feel and how much they interfere with daily life.
To test this fairly, participants are split into groups to receive either dronabinol or a placebo, which is an identical-looking dummy medicine with no active ingredients. By tracking patients over four-week periods, researchers can see whether any improvements are truly due to the medicine. Finding a new way to ease breathlessness could make a huge difference to how people with severe COPD live and feel each day.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether dronabinol helps ease severe breathlessness in people with COPD.
- Open to adults aged 18 and older with severe or very severe COPD.
- Involves taking either dronabinol or a dummy pill (placebo) for four weeks.
- Includes simple walking tests, breathing checks, and daily symptom diaries.
- Taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your NHS care.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is designed for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with severe or very severe COPD. Both men and women are welcome to take part. The study focuses specifically on people whose breathlessness continues to cause significant problems despite their regular treatments.
Because the study focuses on severe lung disease, doctors will check your general health and review your current medications before you can join. You will need to be able to complete questionnaires about your breathing and attend scheduled clinic visits.
If you have other serious medical conditions that might make taking part unsafe, or if you cannot take dronabinol for health reasons, you may not be able to participate. The study team will review your full medical history with you to ensure it is safe for you to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have been diagnosed with severe or very severe COPD.
- I experience ongoing breathlessness that affects my everyday activities.
- I am able to attend clinic appointments and complete breathing tests.
- I am willing to take study capsules and fill out simple symptom diaries.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be in the study for a set treatment period, which includes taking tablets for four weeks. You will be randomly assigned to take either dronabinol or a matching dummy pill. You will attend clinic visits where researchers will monitor your health, test your breathing using simple blow tests (spirometry), and see how far you can walk in six minutes.
Throughout the study, you will be asked to fill in short questionnaires about your daily breathlessness, your energy levels, sleep, and how you are feeling emotionally. The team will also check routine health markers and collect a small hair sample to measure long-term stress levels. The study staff will guide you through each step and answer any questions you have along the way.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is dronabinol?
Dronabinol is a manufactured medicine that acts on certain receptors in the body and brain. Researchers want to see if it can help reduce the feeling of severe breathlessness.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is a dummy pill that looks just like the real medicine but contains no active ingredients. It helps scientists see if the real drug makes a true difference.
Will taking part replace my usual COPD inhalers?
No, you will usually continue with your regular prescribed treatments. The study team will give you clear instructions on managing your normal medicines.
What will the clinic visits involve?
Visits will include standard breathing tests, a six-minute walking test, answering questions about your symptoms, and regular health checks.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. Joining is completely voluntary. You can stop taking part at any time, and your normal medical care will continue as usual.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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