The Current State of Asthma Research in the US
The asthma research pipeline in the United States is unusually active right now. Major academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and networks like the American Lung Association Airways Clinical Research Centers are running studies across the country. The focus has shifted toward precision medicine—treatments designed for specific asthma subtypes rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
One of the most talked-about developments involves biologics. These are injectable medications that target particular immune pathways. Tezepelumab, for example, received approval for severe asthma based on the NAVIGATOR trial, which showed a significant reduction in annual exacerbation rates compared to placebo. The PASSAGE study, a real-world trial conducted across multiple US sites, went further by including populations often underrepresented in research—Black and African American patients, adolescents, smokers, and people with overlapping COPD.
Meanwhile, AstraZeneca's Breztri Aerosphere became the first triple-combination therapy delivered in a single inhaler approved for asthma in patients 12 and older. This matters because it consolidates three medications into one device, which can simplify daily management considerably.
Other trials are asking different questions entirely. Can some patients with severe eosinophilic asthma reduce their daily maintenance inhaler after starting a biologic? Can a medication originally developed for COPD help people with allergic asthma? These are not hypotheticals—they are active studies recruiting volunteers right now.
Researchers are also looking beyond established drug classes. Eli Lilly is evaluating brenipatide, a novel compound, for adults with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. Studies like this represent the early exploration of mechanisms that may become standard treatments years from now.
Types of Asthma Trials and What They Involve
Not all asthma trials are the same. Understanding the differences can help you figure out which ones might be relevant.
Phase III trials test treatments that have already shown promise in smaller studies. These are typically large, randomized, and placebo-controlled. Participants are assigned to receive either the investigational drug or a placebo—sometimes in addition to their usual medications—and researchers track outcomes over months or even a year or more. The NAVIGATOR and KALOS trials fall into this category.
Phase IV studies examine medications already on the market. They gather real-world data on long-term safety, effectiveness across broader populations, and practical questions like whether patients can reduce other medications. The PASSAGE study is a Phase IV trial.
Screening and observational studies do not involve experimental treatments at all. The University of Virginia's Division of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology runs a screening protocol that identifies adults with mild allergic asthma who may qualify for future research. It involves allergy tests, breathing tests, and blood samples—and compensation is available for screening visits.
Interventional trials test a specific drug, device, or behavioral strategy. These can range from a few weeks to over a year. Some require frequent clinic visits; others use remote monitoring and occasional check-ins.
The following table summarizes the main categories of asthma trials and what participants can generally expect:
| Trial Type | Example | Typical Duration | Participant Profile | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Phase III (pivotal) | Tezepelumab NAVIGATOR | 12–52 weeks | Moderate to severe, uncontrolled | Randomized, may receive placebo |
| Phase IV (post-market) | PASSAGE study | 52 weeks | Broader populations, real-world | Approved medication, open-label |
| Screening/observational | UVA screening protocol | 1–3 visits | Mild allergic asthma | No treatment, helps qualify for future studies |
| Early-phase interventional | Brenipatide study | ~65 weeks | Moderate to severe | Novel mechanism, less safety data |
| Comparative effectiveness | NIMBLE-like trials | Variable | Already on biologic therapy | Compares existing treatments |
What Enrollment Actually Looks Like
The process of joining a trial can feel opaque from the outside, but it follows a fairly consistent path.
Your first stop is usually ClinicalTrials.gov, the federal registry maintained by the National Institutes of Health. You can search by condition (asthma), location (city, state, or distance from a ZIP code), and recruitment status. Studies that are actively recruiting will display contact information for the research coordinator.
The American Lung Association also maintains a list of active studies through its Airways Clinical Research Centers, with locations in cities including Houston, New York, and others around the country. These centers tend to focus on practical, patient-centered questions.
Once you find a study that looks relevant, you reach out—usually by phone or email. The research coordinator will ask you a series of screening questions about your diagnosis, current medications, symptom control, and medical history. This is not a commitment; it is simply to see if you match the basic eligibility criteria.
If you pass the initial screen, you will be invited for an in-person visit. This typically includes a detailed informed consent discussion where the research team explains exactly what the study involves—every procedure, every visit, every potential risk. You can ask questions, take time to think, and talk to your regular doctor before signing anything.
After consent, the study team performs baseline assessments: lung function tests, blood work, allergy testing, and sometimes imaging. These tests determine whether you meet all the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A significant number of people who express interest do not ultimately qualify, which is normal and expected.
Compensation varies widely. Screening visits may offer modest amounts—the UVA program, for instance, provides up to $125 for screening participation. Studies involving multiple visits often provide compensation for time and travel, and longer trials may offer more substantial payments. The American Lung Association's COPD-OMA study, for example, explicitly states that "compensation is available for time and travel" for in-person visits. What you should not expect is to get rich; compensation is designed to offset burden, not to serve as income.
Real People, Real Decisions
Michael, a 52-year-old construction supervisor in Texas, had been using the same inhaler regimen for years without much improvement. His doctor suggested looking into a trial testing a triple-combination therapy. "I was nervous about being a guinea pig," he admitted. But after learning the medication had already been studied in thousands of patients with COPD, he decided to enroll. The biggest benefit for him was not dramatic—his symptoms did not vanish—but the consolidation of three inhalers into one made his daily routine far easier to stick with.
Then there is Lisa, a 28-year-old graphic designer in Oregon who has mild allergic asthma. She joined a screening study at an academic center not because she needed new treatment, but because she wanted to contribute to research. "My asthma is well-controlled. I figured if I could help scientists understand the disease better, why not?" She completed two visits involving allergy skin testing and breathing tests, and her information now sits in a database that researchers use to recruit for interventional trials.
These experiences reflect the two main reasons people participate: seeking better symptom control and wanting to advance medical knowledge. Neither motivation is more valid than the other.
Practical Steps Before You Commit
Talk to your current doctor first. Even if you find a trial on your own, your pulmonologist or primary care provider should know what you are considering. They can help you assess whether the study protocol makes sense given your specific history.
Read the informed consent document carefully. It will outline every procedure, visit, and potential risk. If something is unclear, ask. Research coordinators expect questions—it is part of their job.
Consider the time commitment. Some trials require weekly visits for months. Others need only occasional check-ins. Be realistic about what you can manage alongside work, family, and other obligations.
Understand the placebo question. Many trials use placebos, but in asthma research, participants almost always continue their standard medications alongside the study drug or placebo. This means you are not going without treatment, and you can typically withdraw at any time.
Ask about post-trial access. Will you be able to continue the treatment after the study ends? Policies vary, and the answer may affect your decision.
Check ClinicalTrials.gov periodically. New studies appear regularly, and eligibility criteria differ. A trial that does not fit you today might have a sister study six months from now.
Where to Look
The most comprehensive resource is ClinicalTrials.gov, where you can filter by condition, location, and study phase. Academic medical centers in major cities—Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago—tend to run multiple asthma trials simultaneously. The American Lung Association's Airways Clinical Research Centers offer another entry point, particularly for studies with practical, everyday relevance.
Specialty asthma clinics and allergy practices often have relationships with trial sponsors and may be able to connect you with studies that match your profile. Your pulmonologist may also receive notifications about recruiting trials in your area.
The landscape of asthma research in the United States is more dynamic than it has been in decades. New biologics, smarter combination therapies, and studies designed to reflect the real diversity of people living with asthma mean there are more opportunities to participate—and more ways for research to deliver meaningful improvements. Whether you are struggling with uncontrolled symptoms or simply curious about contributing to science, the first step is the same: look, ask questions, and take your time deciding.
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