A New Way to Help People with Severe Asthma

A Novel Approach to Target Neutrophilic Airway Inflammation and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Therapy-Resistant (Refractory) Asthma.

NIH-funded research Creighton University · NIH-11118908

This research explores a new molecule called CXN-8 to help people with severe asthma that doesn't respond well to current treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCreighton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-11118908 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people with asthma find relief with standard medications, but some experience severe symptoms that persist despite high-dose treatments, a condition known as refractory asthma. This project aims to understand why some asthma is so difficult to treat and to find new ways to help. Researchers are focusing on a specific protein, p63RhoGEF, which appears to play a key role in the airway tightening and inflammation seen in severe asthma. They have developed a new molecule, CXN-8, designed to block this protein and potentially reduce asthma symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with severe, refractory asthma who do not respond well to current high-dose corticosteroid and bronchodilator treatments.

Not a fit: Patients whose asthma is well-controlled with existing medications may not directly benefit from this specific research, as it focuses on therapy-resistant forms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new medication for individuals with severe, therapy-resistant asthma, offering relief from persistent symptoms and improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific molecule CXN-8 is new, initial findings in animal models show promise in reducing asthma symptoms, and the underlying biological pathways are known to be involved in asthma.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.