What is the ASCEND study?
ASCEND is a clinical trial of a drug called depemokimab, which aims to reduce the number of asthmas exacerbations experienced by people with moderate to severe asthma over the autumn and winter time.
Designed as a double-blind, randomised multi-centre trial, ASCEND will evaluate the efficacy of a single 100mg subcutaneous dose of depemokimab alongside standard of care therapy, in comparison with a placebo injection.
Reducing Winter Pressures
This trial was granted high-priority status by KCL and GSTT because of the potential to reduce NHS winter pressures. As a result of close collaboration between KCL, GSTT and GSK, the trial was opened in September 2025 at eight participating sites across the UK.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our participating site teams and everybody involved in reviewing, approving and delivering the study.
The ASCEND study is open to recruitment until the end of October 2025.
Lead Sponsor: King’s College London
Co-Sponsor: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT)
REC: 25/EM/0126
ISRCTN: 11308300
Chief Investigator: Prof David Jackson
Funder: GlaxoSmithKline
