Mcmaster University
Clinical trials sponsored by Mcmaster University, explained in plain language.
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New hope for severe asthma patients who Don't respond to standard treatments
Disease control CompletedThis study looked at 30 adults with severe asthma whose symptoms didn't improve with usual treatments. Researchers tested whether dupilumab, a drug that blocks certain inflammatory signals, could reduce signs of the immune system attacking the airways. The goal was to see if this…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 17, 2026 02:05 UTC
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Which fluid saves more lives in septic shock? major trial gives answers
Disease control CompletedThis study tested whether using a low-chloride IV fluid instead of normal saline could lower the risk of death or kidney damage in people with septic shock. Over 1,100 adults who needed fluid resuscitation for severe infection and low blood pressure took part. The goal was to see…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 15, 2026 11:56 UTC
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Asthma drug shows promise in reducing lung blockages
Disease control CompletedThis study tested the drug tezepelumab in 27 adults with moderate-to-severe asthma that was not well controlled by current treatments. The goal was to see if the drug could improve how air moves through the lungs and reduce airway inflammation and mucus plugs. Participants receiv…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 14, 2026 12:06 UTC
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New program helps seniors ditch unneeded pills
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a program to help seniors aged 70 and older who take 5 or more medications reduce their pill burden. The program involved a pharmacist review and a doctor visit, focusing on safely stopping or lowering doses. The goal was to see if this approach could improve he…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 13, 2026 16:02 UTC
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New drug targets hidden cause of COPD flare-ups, could replace risky steroids
Disease control CompletedThis study tested whether mepolizumab, a drug that targets specific white blood cells called eosinophils, could help control COPD in patients who have high levels of these cells in their airways. The goal was to see if reducing these cells could decrease severe symptom flare-ups …
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Apr 21, 2026 12:44 UTC
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Sleep hormone may ward off Post-Surgery brain fog in seniors
Prevention CompletedThis study looked at whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after major surgery. Delirium is common in elderly patients and can lead to longer hospital stays and other problems. The study was a small pilot with 8…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Prevention
Last updated May 17, 2026 02:00 UTC
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Talking therapy may ease pain after fracture surgery
Symptom relief CompletedThis study looked at whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people who had surgery for a broken bone feel less pain over the next year. Over 1,000 adults took part, some getting CBT and others usual care. The goal was to see if CBT lowers the chance of developing lon…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 17, 2026 02:08 UTC
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Horses help heroes: new study shows equine therapy may ease PTSD in first responders
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether Equine Assisted Learning (working with horses) can reduce trauma symptoms in public safety personnel like firefighters, police, and paramedics. 40 participants from Saskatchewan took part in the program. Researchers measured changes in PTSD, depression, …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 15, 2026 11:57 UTC
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New app aims to keep kids safe after concussion
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a smartphone app called Back2Play to help youth recover from concussion. The app provides step-by-step guidance for returning to school and physical activity. Researchers measured whether the app reduced re-injury and symptoms in 181 participants. The goal was t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 14, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Could a single drug quiet a debilitating chronic cough?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether mepolizumab, a drug that reduces certain immune cells (eosinophils), can lessen chronic cough in people with asthma or eosinophilic bronchitis. 46 adults with a cough lasting over 8 weeks and high eosinophil levels participated. The main goal was to see …
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 13, 2026 16:00 UTC
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New PTSD program aims to sharpen thinking and ease symptoms
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a modified cognitive training program called Trauma-Informed Goal Management Training (TI-GMT) in 33 adults with PTSD. The program aims to improve thinking skills like attention and goal management, and reduce PTSD symptoms. Participants attended 9 weekly online…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 13, 2026 15:58 UTC
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New training aims to help healthcare workers spot domestic violence in veteran families
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a new training program helps healthcare and social service providers better recognize and respond to intimate partner violence and child maltreatment in veteran families. Forty providers took part, either in a facilitator-led workshop or self-guided onli…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 17, 2026 02:14 UTC
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Can coaching ease the tough transition to adult rheumatology care?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether coaching sessions are a practical way to help young people with rheumatic diseases (like juvenile arthritis) move from pediatric to adult rheumatology care. Researchers enrolled 26 patients and measured how many agreed to join, attended sessions, and com…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 17, 2026 02:04 UTC
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Gluten-free diet put to the test: which wheat component really upsets IBS?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether gluten or whole wheat (which contains gluten plus other proteins) causes stomach and bowel symptoms in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 29 adults who already felt better on a gluten-free diet were given special bars containing either purifi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 17, 2026 02:02 UTC
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Pain clinic study reveals hidden iron deficiency risk in women
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how many women with chronic pain at a pain clinic might have iron deficiency. Researchers asked 81 women questions about heavy periods and other risk factors. The goal was to find out how often iron deficiency happens in this group and whether treating it hel…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 15, 2026 11:57 UTC
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Hidden toll of COVID-19: seniors' mobility after hospital stay under the microscope
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 211 older adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 to see how their ability to move and do daily tasks changed over time. Researchers measured mobility, thinking skills, and frailty at several points after discharge. The goal is to understand the long road t…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 15, 2026 11:54 UTC
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Brain scans reveal how drink cues change Alcohol's value
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how heavy drinkers' brains respond when thinking about buying alcohol after seeing pictures of drinks versus non-alcoholic beverages. 72 non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers had their brains scanned while making hypothetical drink purchase decisions. The goal…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 15, 2026 11:54 UTC
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Pandemic's hidden toll: chronic care disrupted for nearly a million canadians
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected primary care for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and depression in Canada. Researchers analyzed health records from nearly 920,000 adults to see changes in doctor visits, tests, and treatments. Th…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 15, 2026 11:53 UTC
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Parent-Led online groups offer hope for families battling eating disorders during pandemic
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children, youth, and families dealing with eating disorders in Canada. Researchers tested virtual parent-led peer support groups to see if they could help reduce stress and improve support for parents. About 120 parents, you…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 14, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Coaching teens through a tough transition: a pilot study
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a transition coach could help 16-17 year olds with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease move from pediatric to adult healthcare. 27 teens took part in a coaching program to build self-management skills. The main goal was to see if …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 13, 2026 16:03 UTC
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Gut bacteria and food triggers: new clues for IBS sufferers
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at why certain foods cause symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers focused on how gut bacteria produce histamine when digesting specific carbohydrates (FODMAPs). Thirty adults with IBS followed a low-FODMAP diet and took special drink…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 13, 2026 15:58 UTC
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New training aims to help doctors recognize child abuse
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a new educational program (called VEGA) helps medical residents better recognize and respond to child maltreatment. 84 residents from Canadian universities took part, either in a self-guided online course or a live virtual workshop. The goal was to see i…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 12, 2026 13:39 UTC
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Back pain breakthrough: matching exercises to patients boosts relief
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether matching specific exercises to people with chronic low back pain leads to better results. Researchers used a simple questionnaire to group participants and assigned them to either motor control exercises or graded activity. The goal was to see if persona…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 11, 2026 20:46 UTC
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Brain fuel: can a ketone drink boost your thinking?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how different doses of a ketone supplement affect blood flow to the brain and thinking skills in 20 healthy young adults. Participants drank either a high or low dose of the supplement, and researchers measured brain blood flow and memory. The goal was to lea…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 11, 2026 20:39 UTC