Welcome to our November research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness.
This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on:
- Potential asthma treatments
- The impact of environment on asthma
- Moderate to severe eczema in children
- Differences in COVID-19 outcomes based on asthma type
- Study on tezepelumab for nasal polyps
- Impact of corticosteroid use in people with nasal polyps
Note: The links below will take you to external websites.
Asthma and Allergy Clinical Trials
Participate in Research for Potential Asthma Treatments
Individuals living with asthma have hope. A clinical trial seeking volunteers who have experienced an asthma flare-up in the past year despite taking a daily management medication. Compensation may be available for eligible individuals.Sponsored by Antidote
Surveys
Community Asthma Survey
If you are over 18 and have asthma, we want to hear about how the environment affects your breathing. By telling your story, you can help others understand and manage asthma better!
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is a partner in this research and appreciates your support!
Participants Needed for Eczema Study
If you are a caregiver for a child under 18 with moderate to severe eczema, we would love to hear your opinions and perspectives. Your feedback can help impact guidelines for childhood eczema. Your child can take the survey too with your help.
Take a 15-minute online survey for a research study on using systemic (oral or injectable) medicines for eczema.
Your voice makes a difference! Each participant will be entered into a drawing for a reward.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Joy Wan (Johns Hopkins Medicine IRB00397225)
Latest Asthma and Allergy News
Asthma
Asthma and COVID-19 Disparities Based on Asthma Type
A recent study looked at COVID-19 outcomes in people with different types of asthma. Researchers divided people with asthma into 2 main groups: type 2 (allergic-type) and non-type 2 (non-allergic) asthma. Type 2 asthma was categorized into atopic, eosinophilic, and type-2-high asthma.
Researchers used data from more than 400,000 patients to see how likely people with each asthma type were to have serious COVID-19 effects, such as a hospital stay or death. They found that people with atopic (allergic) or type-2-high asthma had lower chances of a hospital stay and death. But people with eosinophilic asthma, a subtype of type 2 asthma, had higher chances of severe outcomes.
Biologic treatments for type 2 inflammation didn’t change these results. This study shows how COVID-19 outcomes can differ by asthma type and highlights how important it is to take steps (masking, social distancing, vaccination) to reduce chances of infection and severe outcomes.
Nasal Polyps
Positive Results for TEZSPIRE® in the Treatment of Nasal Polyps
A recent study showed promising results for TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab) in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), also called nasal polyps. Participants included adults with severe nasal polyps, many of whom had persistent symptoms even though they were on standard treatments.
The study compared TEZSPIRE, given as an injection, to no treatment. The results of the study showed TEZSPIRE reduced nasal polyp size and congestion by targeting inflammation at its source. This type of treatment can potentially reduce the need for surgeries and corticosteroids, which can have serious side effects. The drug’s safety profile was consistent with previous studies. TEZSPIRE is already approved in the U.S. for severe asthma. It may soon become available for nasal polyps.
Effects of Corticosteroid Use in People with Nasal Polyps
This study examined the real-world impact of systemic corticosteroid (such as prednisone) use in people with nasal polyps. Using data from more than 21,000 records of people with nasal polyps, researchers found that systemic corticosteroid use was common. Around 41% of people used systemic corticosteroid for nasal polyps, and 36.0% had at least 1 high dose burst.
People with asthma or people who had multiple nasal polyp surgeries used more systemic corticosteroid and had higher total doses. People with asthma took an average annual dose much higher than people without asthma.
Medical costs also went up with the number of surgeries, from about $14,472 for no surgeries to over $31,500 for 3 or more. The findings highlight a high health care burden and suggest that reducing systemic corticosteroid use in people with nasal polyps, especially for people who also have asthma, could be beneficial.
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