Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Department of Medicine

Asthma & COPD Program

The Northwestern Medicine Asthma & COPD Program combines the research capabilities of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and clinical capacity of the Northwestern Medicine health system. The program is devoted to improving the lives of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our current research program offers a variety of studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the American Lung Association as well as collaborations with pharmaceutical sponsors. Our study faculty and staff members have extensive backgrounds in research, specifically in studies of pulmonary disease.

Research

Clinical research is a major focus of our mission as we try to generate new knowledge regarding asthma and COPD and offer new state-of-the-art therapies to our patients. If you're interested in participating in a study, please complete our confidential online survey. If you are eligible, a staff member will contact you. You can also reach out to our team directly.

Asthma treatments vary in effectiveness among individuals, highlighting the need for further research into its development and severity. Our program at Northwestern Medicine aims to improve patient lives and advance asthma treatments through new medications and procedures. Participation in our studies is crucial and may benefit you while aiding others with asthma.

Current Asthma Studies

  • PrecISE: We are seeking individuals aged 18 or older with severe, uncontrolled asthma who are on stable daily medications. This study investigates new treatments that may work better for some patients than others, adding study treatments to your current regimen to determine optimal matches between treatments and patient types.
  • CHRONICLE: This study collects information to understand how doctors treat severe asthma and how patients' health changes with these treatments, aiming to improve management strategies for severe asthma.

Although treatments for COPD exist, they are not uniformly effective for everyone, highlighting the need for additional research into its development and severity. Our program at Northwestern Medicine aims to improve patient lives and advance COPD treatments through new medications and procedures. Your participation is crucial and may benefit you while helping others with COPD.

Current COPD Studies

  • Resolute: We are seeking individuals with moderate to very severe, uncontrolled COPD associated with elevated blood eosinophils and a history of frequent exacerbations (flare-ups). This study evaluates the effectiveness of benralizumab — a medication designed to reduce eosinophils and potentially decrease airway inflammation and flare-ups — compared to a placebo, in addition to your current treatment.
  • Reliance: Open to individuals diagnosed with COPD who have been hospitalized for breathing issues or COVID-19 in the past year. This study adds one of two medications (Azithromycin or Roflumilast) to your regular treatment to help prevent future COPD flare-ups and hospitalizations.

Our Team

  • Rajesh Kumar, MD
    Associate Professor in Pediatrics
  • Jenny Hixon, BS, CCRC
    Research Project Manager
  • Caitlin Murphy, BS
    Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Shafic Kakooza, MBChB
    Clinical Research Coordinator

Giving

Our Asthma & COPD Program invites your philanthropic partnership to help us achieve our research and teaching missions. Your commitment can advance promising research studies, recruit talented physician-scientists, develop new educational programs for trainees, or fund essential equipment and technology. Each gift truly makes a difference. Contact MaryPat Mauro for more information.

Make an online donation

Contact Us

you for your interest in our program. If you are interested in participating in one of our clinical trials, visit our Research section. For all other inquiries, contact our staff via the information below.

676 N. St. Clair St.
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-695-4077
Email: asthma.copd@northwestern.edu