CLINICAL TRIALS INVOLVING ASTHMA PATIENTS IN BULGARIA
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma is a chronic condition, meaning that it can last for a long time or even a lifetime. Symptoms may occur on a regular basis, or they may occur intermittently and be triggered by certain factors, such as exercise, allergens, pollution, or respiratory infections.
The underlying cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of asthma or allergies are more likely to develop the condition, and exposure to certain environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and allergens, can also increase the risk of developing asthma.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be effectively managed with medications, lifestyle modifications, and avoidance of triggers. Common medications used to treat asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, and immunomodulators. In severe cases, oral corticosteroids or biologic medications may be necessary.
Asthma is a common respiratory condition in Bulgaria. According to the Global Asthma Network’s Global Asthma Report 2018, the prevalence of asthma in Bulgaria is estimated to be around 6.5% (or 380 000 and above) among adults. This means that asthma affects a significant portion of the Bulgarian population.
Prevalence of Asthma in Bulgaria
There are several factors that contribute to the prevalence of asthma in Bulgaria, including environmental factors such as air pollution, as well as genetic and lifestyle factors. Additionally, the healthcare system in Bulgaria may play a role in the prevalence of asthma, as access to healthcare and proper management of the condition can greatly impact outcomes for people with asthma.
Bulgaria has a growing clinical research industry and has participated in asthma studies in the past. This is why it is considered one of the top locations among others for conducting asthma studies.
That being said, Bulgaria does have several advantages as a potential study location, including its relatively low cost of conducting clinical trials and the availability of experienced investigators and research staff. Additionally, Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, which allows for easy access to a large patient population and streamlined regulatory processes.
Bulgaria has a strong community of medical and scientific experts in the field of asthma and respiratory diseases, including key opinion leaders and investigators who are well-respected in the field. This can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the clinical trial process, as well as opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.
These clinical trials typically involve testing new medications or therapies in order to determine their safety and efficacy in treating asthma.
One type of clinical trial that is commonly used in asthma research is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to receive either the experimental treatment being tested or a placebo or standard treatment. The researchers then compare the outcomes between the two groups to determine if the experimental treatment is effective in treating asthma.
Another type of clinical trial used in asthma patients research is a crossover trial. In a crossover trial, participants receive both the experimental treatment and the placebo or standard treatment at different times, and the researchers compare the outcomes between the two treatments to determine if the experimental treatment is effective.
There are also observational studies, which do not involve any experimental treatment, but instead collect data on asthma patients over time to identify patterns and risk factors for the disease
Convex Phase I unit has been involved in early phase studies with asthma patients and also in Phase II/III studies sponsored by the industry. Furthermore, Convex CRO has a strong focus on conducting multicenter clinical trials exclusively in Bulgaria, and as a result, has established a well-developed network of specialized clinical trial sites for asthma.
