Children's asthma prevention study

Children's asthma prevention study

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.

Who can take part?

Who can take part?

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

 Asthma is one of the most common long-term illnesses in children and there is no cure, but it may be possible to prevent asthma. Most children in the UK with asthma are allergic to house dust mite (HDM), 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 HDM might stop babies developing allergy to HDM and asthma.

What's involved

If your child takes part, they'll be randomly placed into either the treatment group or the placebo group.


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.

Take part in our research

Take part in our research

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.

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.

The PAPA Study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by an independent NHS Research Ethics Committee.

The PAPA Study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by an independent NHS Research Ethics Committee.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2026.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2026.