AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

A Phase 2 Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Three Doses of Frevecitinib (KN-002) in Patients with Severe Asthma not Adequately Controlled with Medium to High Dose ICS/LABA Therapy (PANAIRAMA)

Asthma causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Many people manage well with everyday inhalers, but some live with severe asthma that causes frequent troubles despite regular treatment. This study is testing an experimental inhaled medicine called frevecitinib (also known as KN-002). The goal is to see whether adding frevecitinib to standard daily inhalers helps open the airways and improve lung capacity. The trial compares three different doses of the medicine against a dummy inhaler (placebo) over 12 weeks. Participants will take their assigned study inhaler alongside their regular background treatment, and will have access to a blue reliever inhaler (salbutamol) for sudden symptoms. Regular clinic visits will check lung capacity, heart rhythms, and overall health to see how well the medicine works and whether it causes any unwanted side effects.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Kinaset Therapeutics Inc.

Enrolment target

350

Start

14 Aug 2026

Severe asthma

What is this study about?

Asthma is a common lung condition that affects the airways—the tiny tubes carrying air into and out of your lungs. When someone has asthma, these airways can become swollen, sensitive, and tight. For most people in the UK, regular preventer inhalers keep symptoms under control. However, for people living with severe asthma, persistent symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, and broken sleep can continue even when taking high doses of daily medicines.

The PANAIRAMA study is exploring a new inhaled medicine called frevecitinib (or KN-002). Frevecitinib is designed to calm lung inflammation in a targeted way. Researchers want to find out if breathing in this powder medicine can improve lung function and make day-to-day breathing easier for adults whose asthma remains troublesome on standard treatments.

To see if the medicine works fairly and safely, this trial is 'double-blind' and 'placebo-controlled'. This means participants are placed into groups by chance. Some will receive one of three doses of frevecitinib, while others receive a placebo—a matching inhaler containing no active medicine. Neither you nor the study doctors will know which group you are in until the study ends. This ensures the results are completely objective and trustworthy.

Taking part in research like this is vital for advancing care. If frevecitinib proves effective and safe, it could offer doctors a new add-on treatment to help people with difficult asthma cut down on flare-ups, reduce their reliance on emergency reliever inhalers, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Key takeaways

Tests an experimental inhaled drug (frevecitinib) for adults with severe asthma.
Designed for people whose asthma is not fully controlled by regular preventer inhalers.
Involves 12 weeks of treatment with either the trial medicine or a dummy inhaler (placebo).
Requires regular clinic check-ups, including breathing, blood, and heart tests.
You keep your regular preventer inhalers and have a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with severe asthma. To take part, your asthma must still be causing you frequent problems or flare-ups, even though you are already taking a regular medium-to-high dose preventer inhaler (usually an inhaled steroid combined with a long-acting bronchodilator).

You should be able to use a standard dry powder inhaler correctly and be willing to attend regular hospital check-ups and perform routine breathing tests. Men and women of any background can take part.

You may not be able to join if you have other long-term lung conditions (such as severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), recent serious medical problems, or if you are taking specific medications that could interfere with the study drug. The trial team will carry out a thorough health check to make sure the trial is safe for you before you start.

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 asthma.
I currently take a daily medium-to-high dose combined preventer inhaler.
My asthma is still not fully controlled and causes day-to-day symptoms.
I am able to attend regular clinic check-ups over a 12-week period.
I am willing to complete daily symptom diaries and breathing tests.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts around 12 to 14 weeks in total. You will be randomly assigned to take either frevecitinib (at one of three dose levels) or a placebo powder inhaler. You will take this study medicine alongside your normal daily asthma treatment. You will also be given a standard blue reliever inhaler (salbutamol) to use whenever you need fast relief from sudden symptoms.

You will need to attend several clinic visits—typically at the start of the study, and then at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. During these visits, the medical team will carry out breathing tests (blowing into a machine to check lung power), simple breath tests to measure airway swelling, heart traces (ECGs), and routine blood and urine tests. You will also fill out short questionnaires about your symptoms and keep a simple diary of how often you use your reliever inhaler.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help improve your breathing and asthma control, though there is no guarantee that you will personally benefit, especially if you are in the placebo group. However, your participation will provide valuable medical evidence that could help other people with severe asthma in the future. Because frevecitinib is an experimental medicine, there is a risk of side effects or your asthma temporarily worsening. The medical team will monitor you closely throughout the trial, and you will always have access to a rescue inhaler and medical advice. Joining the study is completely voluntary, and you are free to stop and leave the trial at any point without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (7)

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

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Unverified
Czechia
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Unverified
Bulgaria
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Unverified
Romania
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Unverified
Hungary
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Unverified
Germany
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Unverified
Poland
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Unverified
Greece

Common questions

What is a placebo and why is it used?

A placebo looks and tastes just like the study medicine but contains no active drug. It helps researchers prove whether any health improvements or side effects are truly caused by frevecitinib rather than psychological factors or chance.

Will I have to stop taking my regular asthma inhalers?

No. You will continue taking your prescribed daily background inhalers throughout the study. You will also have a blue salbutamol inhaler on hand to treat sudden symptoms whenever needed.

Will I know which dose or treatment I am getting?

No. To keep the results unbiased, neither you nor your study doctor will know whether you are receiving one of the three doses of frevecitinib or the placebo until the trial is finished.

What happens if my asthma flares up during the trial?

Your safety comes first. You will be given a rescue inhaler to use right away, and the study team will have clear medical plans in place to treat any flare-ups immediately.

Do I have to pay to take part in this study?

No. The study treatment, clinic visits, and all tests are provided completely free of charge. In most cases, reasonable travel expenses to attend the clinic visits can also be reimbursed.