Triple Therapy vs Dual Therapy for Asthma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines whether a three-drug combination improves lung function more effectively than a two-drug combination for people with asthma. The study compares two treatments: one using Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol (Trelegy Ellipta), and the other using Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol (Breo Ellipta). The goal is to determine which treatment helps patients breathe better after 24 weeks. Teens aged 12-17 who have had asthma for at least a year and require daily inhaler use might be suitable for this trial. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking advancements in asthma treatment.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but it requires that you have been on a stable asthma medication regimen for at least 6 weeks before starting the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that both treatments in this study—FF/UMEC/VI and FF/VI—are generally well-tolerated by people with asthma.
For the FF/UMEC/VI treatment, past studies indicate that patients handle it well. Some evidence even suggests it might reduce the number of severe asthma attacks. However, a possible increased risk of asthma-related hospital visits is important to consider.
The FF/VI treatment also has a good safety record. Previous studies found no major safety issues, and patients did not experience more severe or frequent side effects.
In summary, both treatments have been studied before and are generally considered safe for people. Always consult a healthcare provider to understand what this means for individual circumstances.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the FF/UMEC/VI treatment for asthma because it offers a triple therapy approach that could enhance symptom control compared to the usual dual therapies. This combination includes fluticasone furoate (FF), umeclidinium (UMEC), and vilanterol (VI), which together target inflammation, airway constriction, and bronchodilation. The inclusion of umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, is particularly noteworthy as it adds an extra layer of bronchodilation, potentially leading to better breathing and fewer asthma attacks. While standard treatments often focus on just two components, this triple therapy aims to provide a more comprehensive management of asthma symptoms.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for asthma?
Research shows that the combination of Fluticasone Furoate (FF), Umeclidinium (UMEC), and Vilanterol (VI), which participants in this trial may receive, effectively improves asthma symptoms. In earlier studies, patients who switched to FF/UMEC/VI experienced fewer asthma-related problems and had less frequent moderate to severe asthma attacks. This combination significantly reduced the yearly rate of these flare-ups compared to similar treatments.
Alternatively, FF/VI, another treatment option in this trial, also effectively manages asthma. Studies have shown that patients using FF/VI had fewer asthma flare-ups and better overall control of their symptoms over a 24-week period compared to other treatments. Both treatments have strong evidence supporting their ability to improve asthma management, with the triple therapy (FF/UMEC/VI) offering extra benefits for reducing symptoms.15678Who Is on the Research Team?
GSK Clinical Trials
Principal Investigator
GlaxoSmithKline
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for 12-17 year-olds with poorly controlled asthma despite using inhaled steroids and long-acting beta agonists. They should have had a recent healthcare visit for asthma or a change in therapy, but no pneumonia or other lung diseases recently. Smokers or those with life-threatening asthma can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive FF/UMEC/VI or FF/VI to evaluate effects on lung function over 24 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- FF/UMEC/VI
- FF/VI
FF/UMEC/VI is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
GlaxoSmithKline
Lead Sponsor
Dame Emma Walmsley
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Executive Officer since 2017
MA in Classics and Modern Languages from Oxford University
Dr. Hal Barron
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Medical Officer since 2018
MD from Harvard Medical School