Fast Facts
Diagnosed With Asthma Using a Daily Steroid Inhaler for Asthma Symptoms
Ages 18+ and Overweight
(BMI >= 25)
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Houston, TX
Study Background
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, and for those who are overweight, symptoms can be more severe and harder to control. Researchers are exploring new ways to improve asthma management beyond traditional treatments. Metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, has shown potential benefits for lung health and inflammation, but its effects on asthma are not yet fully understood. This study aims to determine whether metformin can help reduce asthma symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve lung function in overweight individuals with not well-controlled asthma.
Study Background
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Johns Hopkins are studying whether metformin can improve asthma symptoms and lung function in overweight individuals with not well-controlled asthma.
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, and for those who are overweight, symptoms can be more severe and harder to control. Researchers are exploring new ways to improve asthma management beyond traditional treatments. Metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, has shown potential benefits for lung health and inflammation, but its effects on asthma are not yet fully understood. This study aims to determine whether metformin can help reduce asthma symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve lung function in overweight individuals with not well-controlled asthma.
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with asthma
- Using a daily steroid inhaler for asthma symptoms
- Are overweight (BMI >= 25)
- Not diabetic or taking a GLP-1 containing medication for weight loss (such as Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound)
- Not currently smoking
- Asthma is not well-controlled
- Ages 18+
If you participate in this study, here’s what will happen step by step:
- Enrollment Visit (In-Person): Confirm eligibility with a blood draw to check for any excluding conditions.
- Randomization Visit (In-Person): Receive either metformin or a placebo, complete lung function tests, blood work, and questionnaires.
- Three Dose Adjustment Calls (Phone): Brief calls to adjust medication dosage if needed.
- 1-Month & 2-Month Virtual Check-Ins (Telemedicine): Discuss your experience with the study drug and asthma symptoms.
- 3-Month Visit (In-Person): Receive a study drug refill, complete lung function tests, blood work, and questionnaires.
- 4-Month & 5-Month Virtual Check-Ins (Telemedicine): Continue tracking progress and asthma symptoms.
- 6-Month Visit (In-Person): Return any unused study drug, complete final tests, blood work, and questionnaires.
- Follow-Up Call (Phone): A brief call 10 days later to confirm study exit.
Location: You must live within 100 miles of Houston, Texas, to participate.
Participants will be compensated a total of $535 for completing the study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.