Can a simple inhaled combo keep pneumonia patients off ventilators?

NCT ID NCT04193878

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial tests whether an inhaled combination of budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a bronchodilator) can prevent acute respiratory failure in hospitalized adults with pneumonia and low blood oxygen levels. Participants receive either the active treatment or a saline placebo twice daily for up to five days. The study aims to see if this approach reduces the need for high-flow oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, or mechanical ventilation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Inhaled budesonide and formoterol
What this could lead to: If effective, this treatment could reduce the need for breathing support and lower the risk of respiratory failure in hospitalized pneumonia patients.
What could go wrong: The trial is still in progress, and results are not yet known. The treatment may not prove more effective than placebo, and there are potential side effects from inhaled steroids and bronchodilators.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19 Hypoxia pneumonia acute respiratory failure prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE COVID-19 PNEUMONIA HYPOXEMIA PNEUMONIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins University - Main Campus & Bayview

Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Mayo Clinic - Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
Mayo Clinic - Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
New York University - Langone Health

New York, New York, 10016, United States
Stanford University

Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140, United States
Tulane University - Main & BUMC

New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, United States
University of Alabama Birmingham - Main & Highlands

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
University of Arizona - Main & South Campus

Tucson, Arizona, 85724, United States
University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
University of Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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