NIH-funded research Career grant

Predictors of inhaled corticosteroid response in asthma across BMI and race

Official title: Metabolomic and multi-omic predictors of inhaled corticosteroid response in obese and non-obese asthma

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11281064 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-focused study aims to find metabolite and genetic signals that predict how well people with asthma, including those who are overweight or from high-risk groups, respond to inhaled steroids.

More Asthma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 7, 2026
Project endMay 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$163,414
NIH project number1K08HL183790-01
Project IDNIH-11281064 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with asthma, including those who are overweight or from high-risk racial groups, may contribute samples and data.

Less likely to help

Patients with asthma who have typical ICS response or do not contribute samples may see no direct benefit.

What this research studies

This NIH-funded K08 project will look at metabolomic and multi-omic data to understand why some patients with asthma do not respond well to inhaled corticosteroids. Researchers will analyze metabolite profiles and genetic information to identify patterns linked to better or worse ICS response, with a focus on obesity and non-White populations. The study envisions integrating metabolomics with genetics to uncover mechanisms and potential targets that could guide personalized treatment in the future.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to more personalized asthma therapy, reducing symptoms and flares for people who currently respond poorly to standard inhaled steroids.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests metabolomic and genetic factors influence drug response, but this project aims to link these factors specifically to ICS response in diverse populations.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Althoff, Meghan Dolan — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Althoff, Meghan Dolan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Lipid anti-Inflammatory Mediators in Asthma for Obese Individuals

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  • Metformin for asthma in overweight and obese adults

    This project tests whether metformin can help improve asthma control in overweight and obese adults.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11195075

  • Investigating how innate lymphocytes affect asthma in obese individuals

    This study is looking at how being overweight might make asthma worse, especially in women, by exploring the role of certain immune cells in the body, using a special mouse model that reflects the health issues seen in people; the goal is to find better ways to treat asthma for those who are obese.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11005388

  • Investigating the role of specific immune cells in asthma related to obesity

    This study is looking at how being overweight can make asthma worse in women by comparing the immune responses in heavier and lighter mice with asthma, hoping to find new ways to help treat asthma flare-ups related to obesity.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11002342

  • Using metformin to help manage asthma in overweight and obese individuals

    This study is looking at whether metformin, a diabetes medication, can help improve asthma symptoms in overweight and obese people, and it will involve a six-month trial where some participants will take the medication while others will take a placebo, all while making it easy for people to join from home.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10930872

  • Investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction affects airway inflammation in obese asthma

    This study is looking at how problems with tiny energy factories in our cells, called mitochondria, can make asthma worse for people who are both obese and have asthma, and it hopes to find new ways to help them breathe better.

    NIH research National Jewish Health · Denver, United States · NIH-10898829

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.