NCT07787117 · AstraZeneca
QUARTZ: Comparative Effectiveness of Switching From Albuterol to Albuterol/Budesonide Versus Adding Low-dose ICS or LTRA to Albuterol
(QUARTZ)
What this study is about
The QUARTZ study is a reviewing past data observational group of participants study using a prevalent new-user design and U.S. healthcare claims data to evaluate treatment effectiveness among patients with asthma.
View original scientific description
The QUARTZ study is a retrospective observational cohort study using a prevalent new-user design and U.S. healthcare claims data to evaluate treatment effectiveness among patients with asthma. The study compares the real-world effectiveness of switching from albuterol-only rescue therapy to albuterol/budesonide versus adding low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) while continuing albuterol. The primary objective is to assess the comparative effectiveness of these treatment strategies in reducing severe asthma exacerbations in routine clinical practice in the United States.
Interventions
OTHER
None (observational study)
Not applicable since it's an observational study. There are three study cohorts: 1) Airsupra cohort 2)Albuterol and low-dose ICS comparator cohort and 3) Albuterol and LTRA comparator cohort.
Primary outcome measures
Severe exacerbations during follow-up: annualized asthma exacerbation rates (AAER) by cohort, overall and by setting (IP, ED/urgent care, outpatient); plus absolute rates and rate ratios comparing Airsupra with each comparator cohort
Time frame: Follow-up starts the day after index and ends at the earliest of death, data end, insurance disenrollment, loss to follow-up, or switch to the alternative rescue treatment, up to 36 months; add-on maintenance therapy does not censor follow-up.
To describe and compare the occurrence of severe exacerbations observed among the Airsupra cohort and each comparator cohort.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Asthma patients with at least one prescription record (identified by NDC or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System \[HCPCS\] codes) for Airsupra (Airsupra cohort), LD ICS or LTRA, (comparator cohort) since January 2023.
- Patients with at least one prescription record (based on NDC or HCPCS codes) of albuterol within the 12 months prior to the first Airsupra or the controller medications prescription date
- Patients aged ≥18 years on the index date
- Patients with ≥12 months of continuous insurance enrolment prior and 12 months after index date.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with at least one medical claim with an ICD-10 code within the 12 months prior to the index date for any of the chronic respiratory conditions or systemic inflammatory diseases routinely treated with systemic corticosteroids (SCS)
- Patients with any prescription record for any ICS or other controller therapies (including SAMA, LABA, LAMA, LTRA, theophylline or biologics) within the 12 months prior to the and inclusive of index date (the index therapy defining cohort entry (LD ICS for the LD ICS cohort; LTRA for the LTRA cohort is permitted on the index date)
- Patients with maintenance OCS use within the 12 months prior to and inclusive of the index date
- Airsupra patients with a concomitant SABA prescription record on the index date
Where
- Wilmington, Delaware
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations