Using advanced MRI to improve asthma treatment outcomes with mepolizumab

Hyperpolarized xenon MRI in treatment of severe asthma by mepolizumab: toward earlier detection of individual patient responses

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10891494

This study is looking at a special type of MRI to see how well the asthma treatment mepolizumab works for different people, hoping to find better ways to personalize asthma care and improve treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891494 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how hyperpolarized xenon MRI can be used to detect and predict individual responses to the asthma treatment mepolizumab. By enhancing the imaging of lung function, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that indicate how well a patient is responding to this biologic therapy. Currently, treatment decisions are based on general symptoms and exacerbation counts, but this approach seeks to provide a more personalized evaluation. The goal is to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce healthcare costs associated with severe asthma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe, refractory asthma who are considering or currently receiving treatment with mepolizumab.

Not a fit: Patients with mild or well-controlled asthma may not benefit from this research as it focuses on severe cases requiring specialized treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized asthma treatments, improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of hyperpolarized MRI is a novel approach in asthma treatment evaluation, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other respiratory conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, 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.