Assessing airway twitchiness in patients with severe asthma on biologics as they reduce their inhaled corticosteriod dose
This study aims to understand if people with severe asthma, who are already taking biologic medications like dupilumab or tezepelumab, can safely reduce their inhaled steroid dose. Asthma can make airways 'twitchy,' making breathing difficult. While steroid inhalers are common, biologics are newer treatments that target inflammation differently. We want to see if these biologics can help control asthma twitchiness so effectively that patients can use less steroid long-term. This could mean fewer side effects from high-dose steroids. Participants will have check-ups, breathing tests, and blood samples over six months to see how their asthma is managed while adjusting their steroid inhaler use.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Asthma is a common lung condition that can make it hard to breathe. This often happens because the tubes in your lungs (airways) become extra sensitive, or 'twitchy,' reacting strongly to things like dust, pollen, or even cold air. This twitchiness is often linked to a type of inflammation in the body. While steroid inhalers are a common treatment, they don't always reach every part of the lung, and using high doses for a long time can have side effects.
Newer treatments called 'biologics,' given by injection, are designed to work in a more targeted way within your body to reduce this inflammation. These medicines might help control your asthma symptoms more effectively across your whole lung. This study focuses on two such biologics, dupilumab and tezepelumab, which are already used by many people with severe asthma.
The main goal of this research is to see if these biologic medicines are so good at calming down your airways and reducing inflammation that you could safely use a lower dose of your steroid inhaler. Reducing the amount of steroid medication could lead to fewer long-term side effects while still keeping your asthma well under control. We want to understand if this approach can improve asthma management and your overall health.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates if biologics can help severe asthma patients safely reduce steroid inhalers.
- It focuses on dupilumab and tezepelumab treatments.
- Participation involves three visits over six months for tests.
- Potential benefits include better asthma understanding and reduced steroid side effects.
- The study is currently running at the University of Dundee in Scotland.
- You can withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with severe asthma. You must already be receiving treatment with either dupilumab or tezepelumab for at least six months before joining.
To be eligible, your lung function, measured by a test called FEV1, should be at least 50% of what is expected for someone your age and height. This helps ensure your asthma is stable enough for the study.
You cannot join if you've recently taken steroid tablets (oral steroids) or had a steroid burst in the last month, or if you've switched to a new biologic medication in the last three months. Also, if you have other significant lung conditions like severe bronchiectasis or COPD, or if you are currently pregnant, you won't be able 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 18 years old or older?
- Do you have severe asthma and currently use dupilumab or tezepelumab, and have been on it for at least 6 months?
- Have you avoided taking steroid tablets (oral steroids) or a steroid burst in the last 28 days?
- Are you not currently pregnant?
- Do you not have other serious lung conditions like moderate to severe bronchiectasis or COPD?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will continue using your current biologic medication (dupilumab or tezepelumab). You'll also use a standard steroid inhaler in a specific way that helps manage both your daily symptoms and any sudden flare-ups. Over six months, you will attend three study visits. The first visit is a screening to check if the study is right for you.
During these visits, you'll provide blood samples to help us understand the inflammation in your body. You'll also do breathing tests to measure your lung function, including a special test to see how 'twitchy' your airways are. We expect the study to run from May 2024 to December 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ninewells Hospital and University of Dundee Medical schoolCity onlyDundee, Scotland
Common questions
What are 'biologics' in asthma treatment?
Biologics are newer, special medicines given by injection that target specific parts of your immune system to reduce the inflammation that causes severe asthma.
Why is reducing steroid inhaler dose important?
Using high doses of steroid inhalers for a long time can have side effects, so safely reducing the dose could improve your long-term health while keeping your asthma controlled.
How long will the study last for each participant?
If you join, you'll be involved for about six months, attending three study visits over that period.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is being funded and organised by the researchers themselves, not by a pharmaceutical company.
What is 'airway twitchiness'?
Airway twitchiness means your airways are extra sensitive and can narrow quickly in response to triggers like smoke, pollen, or exercise, making it harder to breathe.
How to find out more
Robert Greig
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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