Asthma and Allergy Clinical Trials

Are You Currently Taking Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Your Asthma?

Would you like to contribute to important new research? SUNRISE is a clinical study investigating whether a new biologic treatment called tezepelumab may help to reduce or remove the need for OCS in adults with severe asthma. The study is looking for people who:

• Are between 18 and 80 years of age
• Have had an asthma diagnosis for at least 1 year
• Have been taking OCS for asthma for at least 6 months
• Have been using inhaled corticosteroids for at least a year, and a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) for at least 3 months
• Have not been receiving any biologic treatment for asthma for at least 4 months
  
  

Sponsored by AstraZeneca

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Latest Asthma and Allergy News

Anaphylaxis and Atopic Dermatitis

New Guidelines Released for Health Care Providers Treating Anaphylaxis and Atopic Dermatitis
The Allergy Immunology Joint Task Force for Practice Parameters (JTFPP) has released new guidelines for diagnosing and managing anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis in children and adults. The JTFPP, a collaboration between the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), regularly updates these guidelines to make sure health care providers provide the best evidence-based care to their patients.

For anaphylaxis, the guidelines include updates on when people using epinephrine should go to the emergency room, recommendations on storing epinephrine auto-injectors, and revised criteria for diagnosing anaphylaxis, especially in infants.

Atopic dermatitis guidelines include recommending topical treatments, recommending specific biologics for certain age groups, and advising against certain treatments. These guidelines highlight the importance of patient values and preferences in making optimal recommendations.

Northwestern Researchers Are Developing a Therapy to Prevent Allergic Reactions
Northwestern researchers are developing a therapy to prevent allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, without causing side effects. With this therapy, nanoparticles carrying an allergen protein target the immune cells (mast cells) that cause allergic reactions. When injected into the bloodstream, the antibodies selectively target the mast cells responsible for the allergic reaction without suppressing the entire immune system. A study testing the treatment in mice showed 100% success in preventing allergic reactions without significant side effects. While more research is needed, the study marks the first nano therapy for targeting mast cells that cause allergic reactions.

DUPIXENT® (Dupilumab) U.S. Label Updated with Data Further Supporting Use in Atopic Dermatitis with Moderate-To-Severe Hand and Foot Involvement
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the label for DUPIXENT®, a medicine used to treat atopic dermatitis, to include data for patients aged 12 and older with moderate-to-severe hand and/or foot involvement. This update is based on a Phase 3 trial called LIBERTY-AD-HAFT, where patients receiving Dupixent showed significant improvement. After 16 weeks, 40% achieved clear or almost clear skin on hands and feet, compared to 17% of participants who received a placebo. Also, 52% experienced a meaningful reduction in itch. The safety profile was also consistent with what is already known about the treatment. This update marks the first biologic treatment with data on the label that supports its use for hand and/or foot involvement.

Asthma

Disparities in Asthma Attacks, ED Visits Narrow for Black Patients During Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a larger decrease in asthma attacks and emergency room visits for Black adults and children compared to white patients, according to a recent study. The research focused on the impact of the pandemic on long-standing racial disparities in asthma. The study found that overall, asthma prevalence from 2019-2022 remained stable among children, but it was consistently highest among Black children. The study suggests that the decrease in asthma attacks and emergency room visits may be related to the larger reduction in the spread of respiratory viruses during the pandemic. The researchers suggest disparities can continue to decrease by improving the environment, making sure everyone gets vaccines for respiratory illnesses, and having policies that address the underlying causes of asthma.