The role of a soluble TNFalpha receptor fusion protein (etanercept) in corticosteroid refractory asthma: A double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial

This was a randomized, double blind trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of etanercept versus placebo in 39 adult patients with severe corticosteroid-refractory asthma. The primary endpoints were changes in AQLQ and ACQ scores; secondary endpoints included changes in bronchial hyper-responsiveness and lung function. FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25–75 were evaluated at baseline and at various intervals throughout the trial using a Vitalograph COMPACT spirometer.