Watertown

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two inhalers, budesonide/albuterol metered-dose inhaler (BDA MDI) and albuterol sulfate metered-dose inhaler (AS MDI), both taken as needed, on reducing severe asthma attacks in adolescents aged 12 to under 18 years who have a clinical diagnosis of asthma and have experienced at least one severe asthma exacerbation in the past year. This is a Phase IIIb randomized, double-blind, multicenter study lasting 52 weeks with a safety follow-up period after treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either BDA MDI 160/180 micrograms (two puffs of 80/90 micrograms) or AS MDI 180 micrograms (two puffs of 90 micrograms) as needed, alongside their usual asthma maintenance therapy, for 52 weeks. The study includes a 7 to 28-day screening period before treatment and a safety follow-up visit 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment. Additionally, a pharmacokinetic sub-study involves a single dose of open-label BDA MDI administered after the safety follow-up. During the study, participants will be monitored for the annual rate of severe asthma exacerbations from randomization to week 52. Assessments include evaluating inhaler technique, peak expiratory flow measurements, and adherence to contraception methods for participants of childbearing potential. Safety will be monitored throughout the treatment and follow-up periods. The total study duration includes screening, 52 weeks of treatment, and safety follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.