Nasal clues could unlock new asthma attack treatment

NCT ID NCT04748055

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tracks changes in a specific inflammatory marker (IL-1β) in the nasal passages of adolescents during an asthma attack. Researchers collect nasal fluid samples daily for five days during an attack and compare them to baseline samples taken when the participant is well. The goal is to understand when IL-1β peaks, which could help determine the best time to give a drug called anakinra in future studies. Participants are teens aged 12–21 with persistent asthma who use daily controller medication.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help design a future trial testing anakinra (a drug that blocks IL-1) to reduce inflammation during asthma attacks.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 40 participants, focused on measuring biological changes rather than testing a treatment. Results may not lead to a successful therapy.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ASTHMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

asthma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ASTHMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.