Asthma treatment has evolved through the introduction of biologics for severe asthma, novel inhaler combinations, and refined approaches to specific asthma phenotypes. Anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL-5/5R (mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab), anti-IL-4R (dupilumab), and anti-TSLP (tezepelumab) are all approved for severe asthma. Research continues into earlier intervention, broader phenotypes, and novel mechanisms. For patients with severe or treatment-resistant asthma, clinical trials for asthma offer access to investigational therapies. This guide covers how to find asthma trials, active research areas, and resources.
Categories of asthma trials
Active asthma trials in 2026 include:
Anti-TSLP and upstream cytokines: Tezepelumab approved; other thymic stromal lymphopoietin and upstream pathway agents in development.
Next-generation biologics: Combinations and novel cytokine targets.
Oral biologic alternatives: JAK inhibitors and other oral approaches for severe asthma.
Mild-to-moderate asthma trials: Studies in patients without severe disease, testing earlier intervention or new controller therapies.
Pediatric asthma: Specific trials for children with various asthma phenotypes.
Phenotype-specific trials: Eosinophilic, allergic, and other phenotype-targeted approaches.
Where to find asthma trials
Resources:
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- American Lung Association
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- Major academic pulmonology and allergy programs
Typical eligibility for asthma trials
Common inclusion criteria:
- Asthma diagnosis with specific severity
- Adequate inhaler technique and adherence documentation
- Specific phenotype markers (eosinophil counts, FeNO, IgE levels)
- Inadequate response to standard therapy
Common exclusion criteria:
- COPD or other lung diseases
- Active smoking (for some trials)
- Recent severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization
- Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are biologic asthma trials only for severe disease?
Most biologic trials target severe asthma, but expansion to moderate disease is being studied.
What’s a phenotype-targeted asthma trial?
Trials enrolling patients based on specific markers (eosinophil count, IgE, FeNO) to test therapies most likely to work in those phenotypes.
Are pediatric asthma trials available?
Yes, with age-specific trials covering children and adolescents.
Can I participate if I smoke?
Some trials exclude smokers; others permit. Trial-specific.
How are exacerbation rates measured?
Trials track clinically significant exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids, ER visits, or hospitalization. Reduction in exacerbation rate is a common primary endpoint.
The bottom line on asthma trials
Asthma research is active with novel biologics, oral alternatives, and phenotype-targeted approaches. American Lung Association and academic pulmonology programs provide resources. Discuss with your pulmonologist or allergist as part of treatment planning.