Asthma Research Lab

Lab Overview

General Information

The Asthma Research Lab is a clinical research lab (i.e. involves human participation).  In addition to our own investigator initiated studies and student/trainee projects, our lab is also involved with the AllerGen NCE Clinical Investigator Collaborative (the "CIC"). The CIC is comprised of researchers at various academic institutions across Canada.  As a group, we perform clinical trials for Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical companies that are developing potential new therapies for treating asthma, particularly allergic asthma.  

Testing Procedure

Our lab has expertise in a number of methods used to investigate airway function including spirometry, bronchoprovocation (methacholine and allergen inhalation challenges), sputum induction/analysis and measurement of levels of exhaled nitric oxide.  Data collected from these types of tests provides information about how your lungs are currently functioning and how your lungs react to agents that cause constriction (e.g methacholine and allergen). 

Staff

Principle Investigator

Dr. Donald Cockcroft, MD, FRCP(C) is a renowned asthma researcher and our Lead Investigator.   He "opened" the lab in the mid 1970's when he began his career here in Saskatoon and yes, he is the Cockcroft of the Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance equation!!!  He has authored/co-authored a plethora of peer reviewed publications, loves labs (of the four legged kind) and is an avid lily gardener.

Research Scientist/Co-Investigator

Dr. Beth Davis, PhD.