The PAPA Study is testing whether a daily dissolvable tablet, given to babies aged 5–12 months who are at higher risk of developing asthma, could help prevent it from developing later in childhood.
If you'd like your child to take part, click the button below to select the site nearest you and register your interest. A member of the PAPA study team will get in touch.
Your child may be eligible to take part if they
Are aged 5 to 12 months
Are at higher risk of developing asthma (for example, asthma, eczema, or allergies in close family members)
Live in the UK and can attend appointments at one of the PAPA study hospitals
About the trial
In the UK, asthma results in around 60,000 emergency hospital admissions each year. Although there is currently no cure, our research is investigating whether asthma can be prevented.
Asthma is one of the most common long-term illnesses in children. Most children in the UK with asthma are allergic to house dust mite protein, and this allergy contributes to asthma symptoms.
We already know that if babies are given peanut butter or egg to eat when they are young, they are less likely to develop allergy to peanut or egg. In this trial, we want to test whether using a similar approach with house dust mite protein might stop babies developing allergy to house dust mite protein and asthma.
What's involved
If your child takes part, they'll be randomly placed into either the treatment group or the placebo group, using an approach similar to tossing a coin.
Children in the treatment group will receive a treatment containing the house dust mite protein. Children in the placebo group will receive a dummy treatment containing no active ingredients.
Children in both groups will take one tablet each day under the tongue, at home, for up to 3 years. They'll also be asked to attend in-person study visits, and will receive additional support from the research team throughout.
You'll be compensated for your time up to £75, as well as travel reimbursement up to £250.
