Publish date: 21 July 2026
An innovative new research study aimed at preventing childhood asthma has launched at Isle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT), with families invited to take part.
The PAPA study (Preventing childhood Asthma using Prophylactic house dust mite Allergen immunotherapy), is one of the largest asthma prevention trials of its kind. The study is funded by a Medical Research Council (MRC) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) partnership and researchers at the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre are now actively recruiting babies aged five to twelve months to participate.
Asthma is the most common long-term illness in children and can have a serious impact on quality of life. Over the past 30 years, both asthma and allergies have become increasingly common, affecting a growing number of families.
The PAPA study aims to stop asthma before it develops. Researchers will identify infants at higher risk of developing asthma, based on factors such as family history, and then test whether an early intervention can prevent the condition.
The study uses tablets containing house dust mite proteins to determine whether early treatment can reduce asthma risk. If successful, the study has the potential to prevent up to half of all childhood asthma cases.
Professor Graham Roberts, Principal Investigator for the Isle of Wight site, said: “We are delighted to be leading the PAPA study, an important asthma prevention trial. Asthma affects so many children and families, and this research could transform how we approach prevention in the future.”
Parents and carers of babies aged five to twelve months are encouraged to find out more and consider taking part.
For further information about the study and how to get involved, please visit: https://
