Investigating a new treatment for asthma in adults with obesity
Official title: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment in Adult, Obesity-Related, Symptomatic Asthma
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11083029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medication called GLP-1RA might help adults with asthma related to obesity by improving their breathing and reducing inflammation, and if you join, you'll take either the medication or a placebo for 12 weeks to see how it works for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,583,667 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI155299-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with obesity-related asthma who do not have type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have asthma or those with asthma not related to obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) on asthma control and inflammation in adults suffering from obesity-related asthma. The study aims to determine how this treatment can improve asthma symptoms and reduce inflammation in the airways and adipose tissue. Participants will be involved in a 12-week trial where they will receive either the medication or a placebo, allowing researchers to assess the treatment's efficacy and tolerability. The ultimate goal is to gather data that could lead to larger clinical trials and better treatment options for this specific patient group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved asthma management and quality of life for adults with obesity-related asthma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using GLP-1RA for other conditions, but this specific application in obesity-related asthma is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cahill, Katherine N — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cahill, Katherine N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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GLP-1 receptor agonists as immune targets to treat asthma in lean and obese adults
Aims to understand how GLP-1R‑agonist diabetes medicines may directly calm immune cells to reduce asthma in adults who are lean or obese.
-
Semaglutide for adults with obesity-related asthma
This trial gives adults with obesity-related asthma a daily oral semaglutide pill to test whether it improves asthma control and lowers airway and fat-tissue inflammation.
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GLP-1R drugs as a new approach for asthma in different body types
Researchers are testing whether popular diabetes drugs that activate GLP-1 receptors can reduce airway inflammation and help adults with asthma, including those who are lean or overweight.
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How high insulin in obesity may make airways tighten in asthma
This project looks at whether the higher insulin that comes with obesity makes airway nerves cause tighter breathing in people with obesity-related asthma.
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Understanding how GLP-1 medicines help with asthma in people who are lean or have obesity
This project aims to discover how existing GLP-1 medicines, used for diabetes and obesity, can also help reduce inflammation in people with asthma.
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Investigating the link between obesity, insulin resistance, and asthma severity
This study is looking at how insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes impact asthma control in people with obesity who have asthma, especially those getting weight loss surgery, to help understand how these conditions might affect their breathing and overall health.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.