RecruitingPhase IIIInterventional

A trial to assess if aspirin with omega-3 and colchicine are medicines that can help recovery from a COPD exacerbation.

This research is investigating new ways to help people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) recover from sudden worsening of their symptoms, known as a flare-up. These flare-ups can be very serious and often lead to hospital visits. Currently, treatments for these flare-ups haven't changed much over many years, so there's a real need for better options. We're exploring if adding common medicines like aspirin, omega-3, and a low dose of colchicine to a person's usual care can help them recover faster and have fewer problems afterward. About 440 people across the UK will take part, receiving one of these combinations or a dummy pill for three months, with follow-ups for a year.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase III

Sponsor

Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU)

Enrolment target

440

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2028

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What is this study about?

If you have a lung condition called COPD, you might sometimes experience sudden worsening of your breathing and other symptoms. These are called 'flare-ups' or 'exacerbations', and they can be very serious, often leading to emergency hospital stays. Doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to help people recover from these flare-ups and prevent them from happening again.

This study, called EASE-COPD, is looking at whether certain common medicines – aspirin, omega-3 supplements (like those found in fish oil), and a low dose of colchicine – could improve recovery when added to the usual treatment for a COPD flare-up. These medicines are already used for other health conditions, and we want to see if they can also benefit people with COPD.

The main goal is to find out if these medicines can help you get better faster after a flare-up and reduce the chances of having more problems. This could potentially lead to new and improved treatments for COPD flare-ups in the future, helping many people live better with their condition.

Key takeaways

This study explores common medicines (aspirin, omega-3, colchicine) to improve COPD flare-up recovery.
It aims to find better treatments as current options haven't changed much.
Participation involves taking study medicine or a dummy pill for 3 months, plus follow-ups.
No guarantee of personal benefit, but your involvement helps future COPD patients.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
The study uses low doses of well-known medicines, with safety carefully monitored.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 40 years old and currently experiencing a COPD flare-up. You should also be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're already taking aspirin or colchicine, or if you're allergic to any of the study medicines (including aspirin, fish products, or certain other ingredients). You also won't be able to join if you have certain health conditions that could make the study medicines unsafe for you, or if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant within the next year, or breastfeeding.

The study team will carefully check all your current medications and health conditions to make sure it's safe for you to participate.

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.

Are you 40 years old or older?
Are you currently having a COPD flare-up?
Are you able to take aspirin, omega-3, or colchicine (no known allergies or medical reasons not to)?
Are you NOT currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon?
Are you NOT already regularly taking aspirin or colchicine for another condition?
Do you have a general good health outlook for at least the next few months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, it will last for about 12 months. For the first three months, you'll take either the study medicines (aspirin and/or omega-3 and/or colchicine) or a dummy pill, in addition to your usual treatment for a flare-up. You, and the study team, won't know which one you're taking – this is to make the results as fair and accurate as possible.

During your time in the study, you'll have three in-person visits: one at the start, one after one month, and another after three months. There will also be three phone calls to check in with you: at two weeks, six months, and twelve months. You'll be asked to keep a short daily diary for up to three months, noting any symptoms or flare-ups. You will also have a blood sample taken at your first visit, and then again at the one-month and three-month visits.

Potential risks and benefits

There's no guarantee that you will personally benefit from taking part in this study, but some participants might recover quicker from a flare-up, feel better, or even see improvements in their heart health. The information gathered will definitely help future patients with COPD. Like all medicines, the study drugs have potential side effects, but we are using medicines that are already well-known and generally safe at these doses. For example, if you're at higher risk for stomach upset from aspirin, we can offer another medicine to protect your stomach. We've also chosen a very low dose of colchicine. You are free to stop taking the study medication or leave the study at any time, and the study team will monitor your health carefully throughout your participation.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England

Common questions

What is a COPD flare-up?

A COPD flare-up is a sudden worsening of your breathing and other symptoms, making you feel much more unwell than usual. They can be serious and often require extra medical help.

What medicines are being studied?

We are studying whether aspirin, omega-3 supplements, and a low dose of colchicine can help alongside your usual treatment for a COPD flare-up.

Will I know which medicine I'm taking?

Neither you nor the study team will know which specific medicine or dummy pill you are receiving. This helps us get unbiased results.

How long will I be in the study?

You will take the study medicines for three months, and we will follow your progress for a total of twelve months.

Who is paying for this study?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

- EASE-COPD Central Trial Coordinator

cuh.easecopd@nhs.net - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.