What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study involving human participants designed to evaluate medical interventions — such as drugs, devices, or behavioral strategies. Trials follow a structured protocol and are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. They progress through phases: Phase 1 (safety), Phase 2 (efficacy), Phase 3 (large-scale comparison), and Phase 4 (post-market surveillance).

How do I find clinical trials I'm eligible for?

You can search ClinicalTrials.gov or use ClinicalMetric to filter by condition, phase, or location. Each trial listing includes eligibility criteria such as age range, sex, diagnosis, and prior treatment history. Contact the study team directly or ask your physician to refer you to a relevant trial.

Are clinical trials safe to participate in?

Clinical trials are conducted under strict ethical and regulatory oversight, including IRB approval and FDA regulation in the US. All participants must give informed consent after reviewing potential risks and benefits. Phase 1 trials carry more uncertainty, while Phase 3 trials involve interventions with an established safety profile. Participation is always voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

What are the phases of clinical trials?

Clinical trials progress through four main phases. Phase 1 tests safety and dosing in a small group (20–80 people). Phase 2 evaluates efficacy and side effects in a larger group (100–300). Phase 3 compares the intervention against standard treatments in thousands of participants. Phase 4 occurs after approval and monitors long-term effects in the general population.

Do participants get paid for joining clinical trials?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for time and travel expenses, though payment structures vary widely by study. Compensation is not intended to be coercive. Some trials also cover treatment costs for participants. Always review the consent form carefully and ask the study coordinator about any financial considerations before enrolling.

Asthma Clinical Trials 2026: Biologics for Severe Asthma & New Treatments

Medical Notice

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial eligibility and availability vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or considering participation in a clinical trial.

Summary

Asthma affects over 260 million people globally, and while most achieve good control with inhaled therapies, approximately 5–10% have severe asthma with frequent exacerbations despite maximum inhaler treatment. Biologic therapies targeting specific inflammatory pathways have transformed care for severe asthma. In 2026, trials are extending biologics to moderate asthma, exploring oral alternatives, and investigating whether biologic treatment can induce long-term remission.

Approved Biologics and What's Being Studied

Five biologics are approved for severe asthma: mepolizumab, benralizumab, reslizumab (anti-IL-5), dupilumab (anti-IL-4/13), and tezepelumab (anti-TSLP). Current trials are focused on:

Head-to-head comparisons: Which biologic is best for which patient — eosinophil count, FeNO, atopy, and other biomarkers guide selection in trials
Biologic discontinuation: Can patients in remission safely stop biologics? PONENTE and similar trials are addressing this
Moderate asthma trials: Extending biologics from severe to moderate uncontrolled asthma
Combination biologics: Dual pathway targeting for patients who fail single biologics

Itepekimab and Next-Generation Approaches

Itepekimab (anti-IL-33) showed particular benefit in ex-smokers with asthma — a population underserved by current biologics. Phase 3 trials are ongoing. Astegolimab (anti-IL-33 from Roche) has Phase 3 data showing exacerbation reduction across eosinophil levels — potentially useful for non-eosinophilic ("T2-low") asthma where current biologics are less effective.

Bronchial Thermoplasty and Device Trials

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is an FDA-approved bronchoscopic procedure using radiofrequency energy to reduce smooth muscle mass in the airways, decreasing bronchoconstriction. Long-term follow-up (10 years) shows sustained benefit. Second-generation BT devices with improved delivery systems are in Phase 2 trials. Metered cryospray and other ablative approaches are also being studied.

Who Qualifies for Asthma Trials

Biologic trials for severe asthma typically require: documented asthma diagnosis ≥12 months, current controller therapy (ICS/LABA ± LAMA ± OCS), ≥2 exacerbations in the past year or continuous oral corticosteroid use, and a specific inflammatory biomarker profile (eosinophil count, FeNO, total IgE). Most trials require stable asthma at screening (no exacerbation within 4 weeks) and exclusion of other diagnoses like EGPA or hypereosinophilic syndrome.