Asthma

Protocol CAUSE-03 / CHEETAH

Recruiting · 8 sites across 6 states

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?

It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.

Read the full clinical description

This is a one-year longitudinal, observational study of 250 urban children and adolescents with asthma and 60 without asthma, ages 6-17 years old. Participants with asthma will require daily controller therapy with inhaled corticosteroids ICS (at least Step 2 therapy). Those without asthma cannot have used asthma medications in the year prior to enrollment and cannot demonstrate bronchodilator reversibility at baseline. Phenotypic characteristics will be established at baseline, and the participants will be seen at scheduled visits over 12 months. Each participant will be asked to monitor and self-report cold symptoms and will be asked to complete up to three cold visits

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…

•A child (or parent/guardian) can understand the study and give informed consent and the child can assent.
•The child lives in pre-selected census tracts or, if not, lives in a nearby metro area and has publicly funded health insurance.
•For the asthma group: they were diagnosed with asthma more than 1 year ago (or symptoms were present for more than 1 year even if diagnosed recently). For the non-asthma group: they have never been diagnosed with asthma.
•For the asthma group: they need at least Step 2 asthma controller treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). For the non-asthma group: they did not use any asthma medicines in the prior year.
•They can do repeatable breathing tests (spirometry) and have insurance with prescription coverage; they also have a smartphone to use the study app.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

•A parent/guardian cannot or will not give written consent or follow study rules.
•They need systemic corticosteroids or other immunomodulators during the study for another health problem.
•They are receiving immunotherapy, or they are receiving biologic therapy or had it within 3 months before enrollment.
•They are pregnant or breastfeeding, plan to become pregnant during the study, or (if post-menarche) cannot use a medically acceptable birth control method throughout the study.
•They have another serious lung disease besides asthma, cancer that has been in remission for less than 12 months, an immunodeficiency, use certain study drugs recently, an immunotherapy/biologic timing issue, or (for non-asthma) show bronchodilator reversibility with albuterol (FEV1 improvement ≥10%).

Are you a good fit?

Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.

✓Adults roughly 6–17
✓Have Asthma

!Some conditions may not be a fit: COPD (chronic lung disease)
!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?

The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.

What you need to know before you apply

What is this study testing?+

Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+

This is a research study. 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?+

Study-related care is 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 · NCT06136091 · Locations: Colorado · District of Columbia · Illinois · Massachusetts · New York · Ohio