We encourage our patients to participate in national and global clinical trials.
Our team
Our research is conducted in partnership with the University of Oxford and trials are led and overseen by the ILD consultants:
Dr Rachel Hoyles
Dr Peter Saunders
Prof Ling-Pei Ho
Dr Emily Fraser
They are supported by a team of research nurses and practitioners.
Our research trials
Current areas of research include trials of new treatments for IPF, as well as trials to improve symptoms such as cough.
Trials range in intensity and duration, and may be as short as three months, or up to a year, or sometimes longer. All trials that we undertake will have passed a stringent UK ethical review, and there are strict standards in place to protect the safety of trial participants.
Taking part in research
Involvement in a clinical trial will run alongside your usual care. Your health and wellbeing will remain the priority, and the clinical team will always ensure that you are on the most appropriate treatment available.
Your clinician may invite you to take part in a clinical trial. It is entirely your decision whether to take part, and if you prefer not to, it will not affect your care in any way. We are always happy to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking part in a trial, without any obligation to take part. Similarly, should you change your mind during the trial, you are free to withdraw at any time.
Sometimes we can combine trial activity with your usual clinic visits, but usually participation in trials will involve more frequent visits to the hospital. If this is the case, travel and parking expenses will be refunded, and trial sponsors are often willing to fund taxis.
Trial visits will take place on the Churchill Hospital site, and depending on the trial, may be conducted in purpose-built facilities owned by the University. We appreciate that people have other commitments and aim to be as flexible as possible with visit times.
How to find the Churchill Hospital
How to get involved
If you are interested in being involved in research, please contact us.
Email: ortu.nurses@ndm.ox.ac.uk
With your consent, we can add your details to a secure, confidential database, with view to contacting you when a suitable trial is recruiting.
Trials recruiting
LTI-03 Renew IPF study
Aim
This trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel dry powder inhaler in slowing disease progression in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. The drug reduces profibrotic signalling mediated by the Cavleolin-1 protein.
What is involved
Nine visits and two CT scans. The drug is delivered as a dry powder inhaler and checks of lung function will be done pre and post inhalation.
AURA-IPF: A Randomized Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of AP02 in IPF
Aim
This trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of nintedanib solution for inhalation (AP02) in participants with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The drug is delivered as a nebulised solution as either AP02 2mg, 4mg or placebo, and will be given twice daily for 12 weeks. Evaluation of lung function test measured by forced vital capacity (FVC) at week 12.
What is involved
Screening period up to 14 days includes issue and training in self-administration of saline using eFlow Nebulizer System and eTrack controller for adherence monitoring.
Study visits: five clinic visits during 12-week treatment duration.
Blood tests, questionnaires and lung function test measured by forced vital capacity (FVC) at follow-up visits, and scan at baseline and week 12.
CHORUS: Testing oral corticosteroids for the treatment of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Aim
This trial aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prednisolone versus placebo for adults diagnosed with Fibrotic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (FHP), and not previously or currently treated with prednisolone.
What is involved
Treatment duration is 26 weeks with additional nine weeks weaning period. A mix of in-person and telephone follow-up visits.
Lung function tests and blood samples for research is part of the follow-up visits.
Trials to open late 2026 / early 2027
Fibroneer-ACT
Aim
A study to test whether nerandomilast helps people with fibrosing interstitial lung disease at risk for disease progression.
What is involved
Treatment duration with oral tablets taken twice daily for minimum 52 weeks. Minimum nine visits until week 52, then 12-weekly clinic visits hereafter. Scan at screening, week 26 and 52, then annually.
Questionnaires, blood samples and lung function tests at study visits.
OCEAN-1
Treatment of chronic cough in people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Aim
To evaluate the effect of nalbuline extended release tablets (NAL ER) on 24-hour cough frequency (coughs per hour) using objective cough monitor.
What is involved
Measurement of 24-hour cough frequency using objective cough monitor, questionnaires, lung function tests and blood samples.
Treatment duration up to 61 weeks, with a two-week titration period, followed by 52 weeks fixed dose treatment. Daily e-Diary to be completed.
SURPASS-IPF
Aim
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LYT-100 (Deupirfenidone) compared to Pirfenidone in adults with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
What is involved
Overall study duration minimum 62 weeks and up to 166 weeks with oral tablets to be taken three times a day.
Visit frequency every 4-10 weeks until week 52, then 12-weekly. Questionnaires, blood samples and lung function tests at study visits.
Trials closed to further recruitment
Thank you to all our participants for taking part!
Mediar MTX-463-1201
28-week trial testing the safety and efficacy of four weekly infusions of MTX-463 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The medication is a neutralising antibody against a protein called WISP1 which is pro-fibrotic.
Avalyn MIST - AP01-007 - nebulised Pirfenidone / placebo trial in progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Phase 2b placebo-controlled multinational trial to evaluate the effect of nebulised Pirfenidone on slowing disease progression in progressive pulmonary fibrosis (non-IPF).
Calluna Aurora CAL 101-201
28-week trial testing the safety and efficacy of four weekly infusions of CAL101 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This is a medication which binds to a protein called S100A4 and neutralises it. S100A4 protein is pro-fibrotic.
Vicore Aspire
This is a 52-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy of Buloxibutid in the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The trial allows for patients not on current treatment or those on Nintedanib (at a stable dose).
BMS 027065 (ALOFT IPF)
Phase 3 study looking to evaluate whether BMS-986278 (on oral lysophosphatidic acid receptor blocker) can slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis over a 52-week period.
BMS 027015 (ALOFT PPF)
Phase 3 study looking to evaluate whether BMS-986278 (an oral lysophosphatidic acid receptor blocker) can slow the progression in patients who have the progressive fibrosis phenotype - this will include a wide range of lung diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and NSIP.
SNDX-6352-0506
Phase 2b study designed to evaluate whether Axalitimab infusions are safe and effective in treating pulmonary fibrosis over a 26-week period.
BI 1462-0004 (Autotaxin)
Study to test whether BI 1819479 (autotaxin inhibitor) improves lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
BI 1305-0031 (Fibroneer-On)
Follow-up study to test long term treatment with Nerandomilast in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
TIPAL
Study looking at the impact of acid suppression with PPI in IPF.
