ASTHMA, Inc. History
ASTHMA, Inc. (Associated Scientists to Help Minimize Allergies) is a non-profit clinical research center focused on studies involving asthma, allergies, eczema and sinusitis. We conduct research studies for companies that want to test experimental medications, devices or treatments for asthma, allergies and other allergic diseases.

Two physicians of Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center (NAAC) founded ASTHMA Inc., a non-profit organization, in 1972. Their goal was, and is today, to investigate new treatments in allergy, asthma, and immunology. The research and development divisions of major pharmaceutical companies, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) support clinical investigations. Today, 12 allergy and immunology board certified physicians, 3 fellowship physician-trainees, 2 nurse practitioners and a physician assistant are involved in clinical research studies. The physicians are affiliated with the University of Washington School of Medicine and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Since 1972, ASTHMA, Inc. has conducted more than 400 FDA approved clinical trials.

Executive Director
Stephen A. Tilles, MD
Principal Investigator

Dr. Tilles received his medical degree in 1990 from the University of California at San Diego after finishing his undergraduate work at Harvard University in 1982. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Oregon Health Sciences University in 1993 and his allergy and immunology training fellowship at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine in Denver in 1995. Before joining NAAC, Dr. Tilles spent five years as an assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics and as director of the allergy and asthma clinic at the Oregon Health Sciences University. He is board certified in both internal medicine and allergy and immunology, and he has a special interest in difficult asthma and a unique syndrome called vocal cord dysfunction. Dr. Tilles joined the Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center (NAAC) in September, 2000, and was appointed Executive Director of ASTHMA, Inc. He splits his time between seeing patients in clinic at NAAC and serving as executive director of ASTHMA, Inc.

Sub-Investigators:

Leonard C. Altman, MD Jonathan W. Becker, MD Tamara A. Chinn, ARNP Duane Frazier, PA-C Clifton T. Furukawa, MD Michael S. Kennedy, MD Kelly A. Hetherington, MD Michele R. Hinatsu, ARNP Mary V. Lasley, MD

Anjuli K. Mehrotra, MD David R. Naimi, DO Thomas E. Scarborough, MD Ashley Jerath Tatum, MD Thao N. Tran, MD Frank S. Virant, MD John C. Walker, MD Michael E. Weiss, MD Paul V. Williams, MD

Clinical Research Team
Tamara A. Chinn, ARNP- Clinical Research Coordinator/ Sub-Investigator
Judy Cooper, MA, BS/BM - Clinical Research Coordinator
Michele R Hinatsu, ARNP- Clinical Research Coordinator/Sub-Investigator
Gary Miranda, MA - Clinical Research Coordinator

Administrative Team
Lindsey Desmul, BA - Front Office Coordinator
Kim Friedli, RN, MN, CCRA- Clinical Research Site Manager
Grace White - Administrative Director

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