Study Number:

IRB 11-1026

Principal  Investigator:

Michelle Hernandez, MD

Description:

Endotoxin is a component of outdoor air pollution, an air contaminant found in a number of different workplaces, and is even found in homes. Anakinra is a medication that is used by people who have rheumatoid arthritis to decrease the inflammation in their joints from the disease. The purpose of this research study is to see if 2 doses of the Anakinra will decrease the changes in the cells in the sputum and blood caused by the inhaled endotoxin in healthy people.

Phase 1 research studies like this one are not intended to be a treatment, but are a scientific investigation.

A total of 21 people will participate in this study.

Contact:

(919) 966-0759 or email marrt@med.unc.edu

Requirements:

• You must be between 18 and 50
• You must be a healthy person, no allergies or asthma and no smokers.
• Women who are pregnant or nursing a baby cannot participate.

Time  Commitment:

After a visit to obtain your consent, there are 8 additional visits over 5 weeks-3 months based on participant availability, and an additional screening visit (IRB #98-0799).

Compensation:

Volunteers will be compensated for participating in this study.