Pioglitazone Hydrochloride (Actos(Registered Trademark)) to Treat Asthma

New therapies are needed for patients with asthma who are suboptimally controlled by standard measures. Pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos \[R\]) is a highly selective and potent agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma). Studies in murine models of allergic asthma have shown that PPAR gamma-agonists down-regulate allergen-mediated airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. This protocol is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group (phase II) pilot study of the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone for the treatment of patients with allergic asthma and reversible airflow obstruction who are persistently symptomatic despite therapy with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting Beta 2-agonists. The primary end-point for this study will be the change in airflow obstruction, as measured by the post-bronchodilator FEV1. Secondary end-points will include indices of airway inflammation, airflow obstruction, airway hyperreactivity, and asthma symptoms.