The American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) network is an American Lung Association-sponsored research program seeking to conduct large clinical trials that will provide useful information important to the direct care of people who have asthma. The network, with 20 clinical centers and a data coordinating center, is the largest of its kind conducting clinical trials involving large numbers of subjects. Thus, the ACRC is playing a unique and important role in asthma research.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers network?
What is unique about the ACRC Network?
Why the need for asthma research?
How does the ACRC Network work?
Why should I participate?
What is the American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers network?
The American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) network is a nationwide research group of 20 centers. As an American Lung Association-sponsored research program it is uniquely positioned to conduct large clinical trials that will provide immediate and useful information for people who have asthma.
What is unique about the ACRC Network?
By placing centers around the country the ACRC Network is able to diversify the clinical trials and foster collaboration in asthma research among investigators.
Why the need for asthma research?
Asthma is a major and costly public health problem. Asthma can be life threatening if it is not properly managed. Over 22 million Americans currently have asthma. Approximately 3.8 million American children had an asthma attack in the past year. Asthma accounts for an estimated 14.5 million lost work days a year for people over 18 years of age and 14 million lost school days for children ages 5-17. The annual direct health care cost of asthma is approximately $11.5 billion.
How does the ACRC Network work?
The network comprises 20 premier asthma clinical research centers located throughout the United States and a Data Coordinating Center. What makes the American Lung Association Asthma Clinical Research Center so exciting is that they can recruit large numbers of patients so that one can ask a question and get an answer and draw conclusions with a great deal of confidence. Results from the first three studies found that the flu vaccine is safe for people with asthma; a useful treatment alternative is available for patients who are not able or willing to take inhaled corticosteroids and; a simpler treatment regimen exists that is just as effective as the gold standard of treatment of mild, persistent asthma. In just a few years, the American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Center network has already contributed crucial knowledge in the quest to help people with asthma.
Why should I participate?
One of our principle investigators summed it up perfectly: participating in studies for most people is a new and eye-opening experience. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for people to learn more about asthma, how to manage their symptoms better and possibly uncover a better treatment for asthma.
When a person volunteers they can expect a supportive environment. Study-related medical care and study related medicines are provided at no cost to the individual or their insurance company. Compensation will also be provided for their time and expenses. Not only will a person potentially benefit from participating in a study, the information and results from the trial may benefit others with asthma, as well.
Current ACRC Trials:
ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX DISEASE: DOES TREATING ONE CONDITION CAN RELIEVE THE OTHER?
SARA: Study of Acid Reflux and Asthma
Funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health
Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, is frequent among people with poorly controlled asthma. It can occur and cause tightening of the airways. Patients with poorly controlled asthma are frequently treated for GERD with drugs that reduce gastric acid, but this approach is expensive and its benefit has not been established. This clinical trial is testing the idea that treating GERD with a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors will reduce the number of exacerbations (worsening of asthma symptoms) in people with inadequately controlled asthma. Four hundred adults who have asthma that is not well controlled with inhaled steroids are being studied. They are randomly assigned to treatment with either a proton pump inhibitor or placebo. The results will point the way to more useful ways to control acid reflux and prevent it from contributing to asthma.
CHILDHOOD ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX DISEASE: TREATING ONE CONDITION CAN RELIEVE THE OTHER
SARCA: Study of Acid Reflux and Childhood Asthma
Funded by the National Institute of Health’s National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Acid reflux disease, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD, is frequent among people with poorly controlled asthma. It often occurs with no symptoms and can induce constriction of the airways. Poorly controlled asthma patients are frequently treated for GERD with drugs that suppress gastric acid, but this approach is expensive and its benefit has not been established. This clinical trial is testing the hypothesis that children with symptomatic asthma have improved asthma control when treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Three hundred children between the ages of 6 and 17 who have asthma that is not well controlled with inhaled steroids are being studied, and are randomly assigned to treatment with either a proton pump inhibitor or a placebo. The results will point the way to more effective methods to control acid reflux and prevent it from contributing to asthma.
To learn more about these studies and find out if you qualify for participation, click on the center in your area.
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