The Landscape of Asthma Research in the U.S.
Asthma affects more than 25 million people across the United States, and not everyone responds to standard therapies the same way. Researchers have been pushing into new territory—biologic medications that target specific inflammatory pathways, triple-combination inhalers, and even therapies aimed at reversing airway remodeling rather than just controlling symptoms.
The past several years have brought notable developments. In April 2026, the FDA approved Breztri Aerosphere as the first single-inhaler triple therapy for asthma patients aged 12 and older, based on the Phase III KALOS and LOGOS trials. Meanwhile, biologic drugs like tezepelumab continue to show promise. The Phase IV PASSAGE study, presented at the 2026 American Thoracic Society conference, found that tezepelumab reduced exacerbations across a broad range of patients—including groups often excluded from earlier research, such as Black and African American patients, adolescents, smokers, and people with overlapping asthma and COPD.
These studies point to something important: asthma is not one disease. Different subtypes respond to different approaches, and the only way to expand treatment options is through participants willing to enroll in trials.
Who typically joins these studies. Maria, a 42-year-old teacher from Phoenix, had been on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids for years but still experienced flare-ups every few months. Her pulmonologist mentioned a local trial testing a new biologic. After reviewing the protocol, she enrolled. "I was nervous about the unknowns," she said, "but the monitoring was thorough, and I felt like someone was finally paying close attention to my symptoms."
James, a 58-year-old former smoker from Ohio, had a different path. His asthma and mild COPD overlap made him ineligible for most biologics trials in the past, but the PASSAGE study criteria matched his profile. His experience reflects a shift in how researchers are designing trials—with broader eligibility that mirrors real-world patients.
Types of Asthma Trials and What They Study
Clinical trials span several phases, each with a different goal. Phase I studies test safety in small groups. Phase II explores dosing and early effectiveness. Phase III compares the new treatment against existing options or placebos in larger populations. Phase IV happens after approval, tracking real-world performance.
The table below breaks down the main categories of asthma trials currently enrolling in the U.S.:
| Trial Category | Example Focus | Typical Duration | Who It May Suit | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Biologic medications | Anti-TSLP, anti-IL-5, anti-IgE agents | 6–24 months | Moderate to severe uncontrolled asthma | Requires regular injections; close monitoring |
| Inhaler therapies | Triple-combination, novel delivery systems | 3–12 months | Mild to moderate persistent asthma | Less invasive; familiar treatment format |
| Lifestyle interventions | Breathing exercises, dietary modifications | 2–6 months | Mild asthma or adjunct therapy | No medication risks; lower commitment |
| Digital health tools | Smart inhalers, telemonitoring apps | 3–12 months | All asthma types | Often combined with standard care |
| Remission-focused studies | Airway remodeling reversal | 1–2 years | Severe asthma on biologics | High commitment; cutting-edge goals |
Biologic trials have drawn particular attention. These medications target molecules like interleukin-5 (mepolizumab, benralizumab), interleukin-4/13 (dupilumab), IgE (omalizumab), and TSLP (tezepelumab). Each addresses a different inflammatory pathway, which means the right trial depends on your specific asthma phenotype—something a blood test measuring eosinophil counts or IgE levels can help determine.
Not every trial involves experimental drugs. Some compare existing medications in new combinations. Others test behavioral interventions, air purification devices, or mobile health strategies. The ReNORM study, for instance, is examining whether long-term biologic treatment can reverse structural changes in the airways, using advanced imaging to track remodeling over one to two years.
How to Find and Evaluate a Trial
Most trials in the U.S. are listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, a database maintained by the National Institutes of Health. You can search by condition, location, and enrollment status. Major academic medical centers—particularly those with dedicated asthma research programs—often list trials on their own websites as well. Institutions like the University of Michigan, Mount Sinai, and various sites within the American Lung Association's Airways Clinical Research Centers network run studies regularly.
When reviewing a listing, pay attention to the eligibility criteria. Common requirements include age range, asthma severity (often defined by GINA step classification), exacerbation history, and current medication regimen. Some trials require a minimum number of flare-ups in the previous year. Others specify blood eosinophil levels or lung function thresholds measured by FEV1.
David, a 34-year-old software engineer in Austin, searched ClinicalTrials.gov after his allergist suggested he explore biologics. He filtered by studies within 50 miles and found three options. "I called the research coordinator for each one," he explained. "The first two had waitlists, but the third had an opening. Within two weeks, I had my screening visit."
The screening process typically involves a physical exam, blood work, lung function tests, and a review of your medical history. If you qualify, you will receive an informed consent document that outlines the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks, and your rights. Read it carefully. You can withdraw from a trial at any time, for any reason.
What Participation Actually Looks Like
Being in a trial means more than taking a medication. Expect regular visits—sometimes monthly, sometimes more frequent—for lung function tests, symptom questionnaires, and blood draws. Many studies now incorporate home monitoring through apps or connected devices, reducing the burden of travel.
The level of oversight can feel reassuring to some participants. "I had more thorough check-ins during the trial than I ever had with my regular asthma care," Maria noted. Every exacerbation gets documented. Medication adherence gets tracked. The data collection is exhaustive.
Risks exist, and they vary by study. Side effects from investigational drugs are not always fully understood. Placebo arms mean some participants do not receive the active treatment. And there is a time commitment: missing work for appointments, keeping symptom diaries, and following protocol requirements.
On the other hand, many trials cover study-related costs. Participants often receive compensation for time and travel, though amounts vary by study length, visit frequency, and the institution running the trial. Some programs provide the investigational medication at no cost during the study and, in certain cases, for a period after the trial concludes. Health insurance is generally not billed for experimental procedures, though routine care elements may still go through your insurance.
The decision to join a trial is personal. It helps to speak with your current pulmonologist or allergist before committing. They can offer perspective on whether the investigational approach aligns with your treatment history and whether any risks are heightened given your specific health profile.
Regional Resources and Next Steps
Larger metropolitan areas tend to have more active trial sites. Research hospitals in cities like Boston, New York, Houston, Denver, and San Francisco run multiple asthma studies at any given time. But community-based sites are expanding, and some trials now offer hybrid models—combining in-person visits with telehealth check-ins—to reach participants in rural areas.
If you are considering a trial, start by asking your specialist. Many pulmonology practices maintain relationships with research networks and can point you toward studies that match your profile. The American Lung Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also provide search tools and educational materials about clinical research participation.
The treatments that become standard care tomorrow depend on the data collected from participants today. Whether you are interested in a biologic, a new inhaler, or a lifestyle intervention, the research landscape offers more options than it did even a few years ago. The key is finding the right fit for your asthma type, your location, and your tolerance for the unknown.
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