Asthma On Track

What is this study about?

We are conducting a study to compare two different ways of prescribing inhalers, known as treatment algorithms, to determine how much inhaled steroid medication is required to manage asthma symptoms over 12 months.

What are the two treatment approaches?

Participants will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to one of the following two treatment strategies:

1. Daily preventer with separate reliever:

  • Use a preventer inhaler every day that contains an inhaled steroid (such as Flixotide, Seretide, or Breo) to control asthma symptoms.

  • The dose of this medication may be adjusted depending on symptom control.

  • A blue reliever inhaler (such as Ventolin) is used only when needed to quickly relieve sudden symptoms.

2. Single inhaler for both prevention and relief:

  • Use one inhaler (DuoResp Spiromax) as both a daily preventer and a reliever for sudden symptoms.

  • The number of times this inhaler is used each day may vary based on symptom

What does participation involve?

Participants will have five in-person study visits over 12 months.

  • At each visit, we will:

    • Ask questions about asthma symptoms

    • Perform breathing tests

  • A blood test will be done at the first and last visit to measure a blood component linked to asthma.

Additional Information:

  • All study medication is provided free of charge, including at the last study visit

  • Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel.

Who can take part?

People with asthma aged between 16 and 75 who:

  • Use a blue reliever inhaler when needed on its own OR

  • Use a blue reliever inhaler with a steroid preventer inhaler OR

  • Use a blue reliever inhaler with a steroid preventer inhaler that also contains a long-acting beta agonist, such as Seretide

    If you are not sure if this applies you, we would be happy to discuss this with you.

Who can’t take part

This study isn’t suitable for everyone, and participants would not be able to talk part if they:

  • Use additional treatments for asthma other than a blue reliever inhaler with or without a preventer inhaler, for example biologic injections.

  • Use a DuoResp Spiromax, Symbicort or Vannair inhaler as a reliever inhaler when you get symptoms. People who use this as a preventer inhaler may still be able to take part.

  • Have had a previous life-threatening asthma attack.

  • Have any other medical conditions which may impact on your response to the inhaler or your safety on the study including other lung diseases and uncontrolled heart disease.

  • Are unwilling to change your current asthma treatment medications.

  • Have taken part in a study testing a new medicine within the last 3 months.

  • Are pregnant, breast-feeding or planning a pregnancy in the next 12 months.

Where is the study taking place?

We have study sites around the Wellington region.

Learn more and Enquire

If you’re interested in taking part in the study, please click the link below.

Alternatively, you can Email or Call us directly:

[email protected] | +(+64) 04 805 0231

Ethics approval: Northern B Health and Disability Ethics Committee: 2024 FULL 21418