Clinical Research Protocols

The following clinical research protocols within the Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center are currently recruiting subjects:

1. Phase II safety and efficacy study of nebulized recombinant human interleukin-4 in asthma. We are currently seeking volunteers for this research study involving a new, investigational medication for the treatment of asthma. Please call if you meet the following qualifications: must be 12-85 years old, using only albuterol, ventolin, proventil, maxair, alupent, or primatene inhaler for daily symptoms, and you must currently be a non-smoker.  For more information please contact Lucy Goddard, R.N. at 243-2610 or leg4j@Virginia.edu.  There will be financial compensation for qualified participants.

2. Hyperpolarized Helium-MRI Study of Asthmatic Lungs:  We are currently seeking volunteers with a history of moderate to severe exercise induced asthma to undergo exercise challenge and Helium Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).  Participants should be between the ages 18-35, non-smokers, and have no contraindications to MRI scanning (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, implanted or loose metal in their body, claustrophobia).  There will be compensation for qualified candidates.  For more information please contact Sara Samee, M.D. at ss7xh@virginia.edu.

3. Rhinovirus challenge study. Contact Peter Heymann, MD, email pwh5a@virginia.edu for more information.

4. Airway pH measurements in asthma. We are seeking volunteers with moderate to severe asthma to provide samples of their exhaled breath for 6 months. This is done in the home and takes a few minutes twice weekly. Volunteers would also be seen in research clinic monthly. Patients must over 18 years of age, non-smoking, not requiring daily steroid pills. Compensation is available. For further information, please email John Hunt, MD, at JHUNT@virginia.edu.

5.  HIC #9122:  Study to validate limited view CT scan and rhinoscopy in monitoring presence, severity, and clinical course of chronic hyperplastic sinusitis.

  We are currently recruiting volunteers in our studies of chronic hyperplastic sinusitis/nasal polyposis (CHS/NP), which is a disease of inflammation in the sinuses, which often occurs in association with bronchial asthma. The sinuses are an extension of the respiratory tract and the inflammation observed in CHS/NP is similar to bronchial asthma. CHS/NP is observed in virtually all asthmatic subjects. While the use of antibiotics and surgical drainage are often used to treat these disorders, neither has been proven to be successful.  The purpose of this study is to see how well the CT scan and visual observation of the polyps via rhinoscopy can work to evaluate CHS/NP. Measurement of the volume of inflammation is thought to be the best way to assess presence and severity of this disease. Our goal is to identify the best way to define the presence and severity of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps so that we can plan future studies that will have the ability to demonstrate clinical effectiveness. 

For more information please contact Lucy Goddard, R.N. at 243-2610 or LEG4J@virginia.edu.