Pilot Study to Identify the Mediators and Inflammatory Cell Surface Receptors Involved in Allergic Airway Inflammation
Recruiting · Boston, Massachusetts
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Asthma is a heterogeneous disorder in which multiple potential inflammatory pathways contribute to airway obstruction. The biological basis for airway inflammation is the subject of intensive investigation.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Asthma is a heterogeneous disorder in which multiple potential inflammatory pathways contribute to airway obstruction. The biological basis for airway inflammation is the subject of intensive investigation. This work is designed to identify airway factors that are responsible for recruiting cells and associate their airway presence with atopy and asthma.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Adults age 18 to 50.
- •For allergic asthma: allergy symptoms to cat or dust mite and a positive skin prick test, and baseline FEV1 at least 75% of predicted.
- •For allergic nonasthmatic: allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or contact allergy from cat dander or dust mite with a positive skin test, and baseline FEV1 and FVC at least 90% of predicted.
- •All groups: willing and able to give informed consent and willing to do an interview with the principal investigator.
- •All groups: life-long nonsmoking with a lifetime total under 5 pack-years and none in the last 5 years.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •People who are pregnant, nursing, trying to become pregnant, or who are not using contraception (based on urine beta-HCG and pregnancy risk rules).
- •Anyone with a spontaneous asthma attack or signs of an upper respiratory infection in the last 6 weeks (for allergic asthma group).
- •Anyone who took a drug/biologic in the 30 days before the study, or who can’t tolerate certain common medicines (albuterol, atropine, lidocaine, fentanyl, midazolam).
- •People with certain medical conditions (for allergic asthma group): diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, prior stroke, renal failure, history of anaphylaxis, or cirrhosis.
- •Anyone with major allergy/respiratory issues that don’t fit: allergic controls must be nonallergic with negative skin tests and no asthma/rhinitis; allergic nonasthmatic people can’t have a history of asthma and must not have methacholine PC20 < 16 mg/ml.
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–50
- ✓Have COPD (chronic lung disease) or Asthma
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
This is an early-stage study. The treatment has gone through laboratory and preliminary testing before being studied in people here.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Asthma is a heterogeneous disorder in which multiple potential inflammatory pathways contribute to airway obstruction. The biological basis for airway inflammation is the subject of intensive investigation.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is an early study (Phase 1), focused mostly on safety. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT00595491 · Locations: Massachusetts