Mcmaster University
Clinical trials sponsored by Mcmaster University, explained in plain language.
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New hope for COPD patients: targeted drug may cut dangerous Flare-Ups
Disease control CompletedThis study tested whether mepolizumab, a drug that targets certain white blood cells (eosinophils), can reduce airway inflammation in people with COPD who have high levels of these cells. 18 participants received the drug or a placebo for 6 months. The goal was to see if the drug…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:31 UTC
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New program aims to cut unnecessary pills for seniors
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a program to help older adults (70+) who take 5 or more medications reduce their pill burden. The program involved talking with patients about their priorities, a pharmacist review, and a doctor consultation to safely stop or lower doses of medicines. The goal w…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:28 UTC
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New hope for severe asthma: drug may tame immune attack on airways
Disease control CompletedThis study looked at 30 adults with severe asthma who did not get better with standard treatments. Researchers wanted to see if dupilumab, a drug that blocks certain immune signals, could reduce signs of the immune system attacking the airways. Participants took dupilumab for 4 m…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:26 UTC
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Which IV fluid saves more lives in septic shock? major trial reveals answer
Disease control CompletedThis study tested whether using a low-chloride IV fluid (like Ringer's lactate) instead of normal saline could lower the risk of death or kidney damage in people with septic shock. Over 1,100 adults in the ICU took part. The goal was to see if the type of fluid makes a real diffe…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 22, 2026 14:01 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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Sleep hormone may ward off Post-Surgery brain fog in seniors
Prevention CompletedThis study tested whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after major surgery. About 88 patients aged 65 and older took either melatonin or a placebo before and after their operation. The main goal was to see if…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Prevention
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:28 UTC
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Could a single drug finally silence debilitating chronic cough?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether mepolizumab, a drug that reduces certain immune cells, can lessen chronic cough in people with asthma or a related airway condition. 46 adults with a cough lasting over 8 weeks received the drug, and researchers measured their cough frequency over 14 wee…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:38 UTC
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New thinking training shows promise for easing PTSD symptoms
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a 9-week online group program called Trauma-Informed Goal Management Training (TI-GMT) to see if it helps people with PTSD improve their thinking skills and reduce symptoms. 33 adults from Ontario took part. The program teaches strategies to manage attention and…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:36 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. 181 children and teens with a recent concussion used the app to guide their return to school and sports. The goal was to see if the app could reduce symptoms and prevent another concussion …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:26 UTC
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Horses help heal heroes: new study shows promise for trauma in first responders
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether equine assisted learning (working with horses) can reduce symptoms of trauma in public safety personnel like firefighters, police, and paramedics. 40 participants from Saskatchewan took part in the program. Researchers measured changes in PTSD and other …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 20, 2026 11:55 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 18, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Pandemic parenting: can online support groups help families battling eating disorders?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted children, youth, and families dealing with eating disorders in Canada. Researchers interviewed parents, youth, and healthcare workers to understand their experiences. They also tested virtual parent-led peer support groups t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:33 UTC
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Gluten vs. whole wheat: which really worsens IBS?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether gluten or whole wheat causes stomach issues in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 29 adults who felt better on a gluten-free diet were given snack bars with either purified gluten, whole wheat (gluten plus other proteins), or a gluten-free pl…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:33 UTC
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Gut bacteria and food triggers: new clues for IBS sufferers
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at why certain foods trigger 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 dri…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:32 UTC
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Coaching eases tough move to adult rheumatology care
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether coaching sessions are practical for young people (ages 16-18) with rheumatic diseases like juvenile arthritis as they move from pediatric to adult rheumatology care. Researchers enrolled 26 participants and measured how many agreed to join, attended sess…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:29 UTC
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New training helps doctors spot child abuse
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at two different ways to teach medical residents about recognizing and responding to child maltreatment. 84 residents from Canadian universities took part. The goal was to see if these training methods were acceptable and could be used in a larger future study.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 10:25 UTC
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Pandemic disrupted chronic disease care for nearly 1 million canadians
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study analyzed health records from nearly 1 million Canadian adults to see how the COVID-19 pandemic affected primary care for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and depression. Researchers looked at changes in doctor visits, tests, and treatments before and du…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:53 UTC
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Hidden iron deficiency may worsen chronic pain in women
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how many women with chronic pain at a pain clinic might have iron deficiency. 81 women answered a questionnaire about symptoms like heavy periods and past iron problems. The goal was to find out how common iron deficiency is and if treating it could help thei…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:51 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 22, 2026 13:51 UTC
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Tracking the long road back: how COVID-19 steals mobility in seniors
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 211 older adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 to see how their ability to move, think, and do daily tasks changed over time. Researchers measured recovery using standard tests of mobility and cognition. The goal is to understand the long-term effects of…
Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 20, 2026 11:54 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 18, 2026 12:07 UTC
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One-Size-Fits-All exercise for back pain may be over: study tests personalized approach
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether matching specific exercises to a person's type of low back pain leads to better results. Researchers tested two common exercises—motor control and graded activity—in 425 adults with chronic low back pain. The goal was to see if a simple questionnaire …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 18, 2026 12:03 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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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