NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using a medication to help asthma patients with frequent flare-ups

Official title: A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor for Asthma Patients with Frequent Exacerbations

Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10806899 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether a type of medication called SSRIs can help adults with asthma feel better and need less steroid treatment, especially for those who often have asthma flare-ups, including women and African Americans who are more affected by asthma.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$790,698
NIH project number1R61HL167909-01A1
Project IDNIH-10806899 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who suffer from asthma and experience frequent exacerbations despite current treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with well-controlled asthma or those who do not experience frequent exacerbations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on asthma control in adults who experience frequent exacerbations. The study aims to determine if SSRIs can improve asthma symptoms and reduce the need for corticosteroids in patients, regardless of their depression status. Participants will be monitored for changes in their asthma control and exacerbation rates over the course of the study. The research is particularly focused on adults, especially women and African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by asthma.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve asthma control for patients with frequent exacerbations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with SSRIs in improving asthma control, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Ut Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Brown, E Sherwood — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Brown, E Sherwood

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.