In the run-up to International Clinical Trials Day on May 20, a pioneering cardiology study commenced in Bradford, with doctors successfully enrolling one of the initial participants in the United Kingdom.
The Bradford Patient Recruitment Centre, affiliated with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is at the forefront of an endeavour to enhance the lives of individuals suffering from heart disease.
Named the REDEFINE 3 clinical trial, this international investigation focuses on exploring the effects of CagriSema, a medication aimed at treating individuals with obesity and cardiovascular and vascular ailments.
Mr. Keith Winn, a 75-year-old patient from Bradford, has become the fourth randomised participant in the UK and has shared his motivations for joining the trial.
“I wanted to take part in this study because I believe that if we don’t actively participate in research studies like these, progress will be hindered. It’s as simple as that. Hopefully, I’m contributing to building a brighter future for my children and grandchildren,” Mr. Winn expressed.
Retired from his occupation as a health and safety construction consultant and formerly an avid caving and climbing instructor, Mr. Winn has been receiving medical care at Bradford Royal Infirmary since suffering a heart attack 15 years ago. Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Steven Lindsay and his team have been instrumental in Mr. Winn’s continued well-being.
“I owe my life to Dr. Lindsay because the prognosis was grim in the early days. The heart attack prevented me from engaging in many activities I loved, but I can still go for walks, albeit on level ground—no hills! I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Lindsay for finding the right combination of medications that have kept me going strong,” Mr. Winn expressed his gratitude.
Regarding his decision to participate in the trial, Mr. Winn added, “When this trial was presented to me, I was fully supportive. They explained that the benefits include improved cardiovascular function and some degree of weight loss.”
The three-year trial requires Mr. Winn to self-administer weekly injections of the medication, attend hospital visits, and monitor his blood sugar levels on a daily basis.
“I understand there will be a lot of data recording involved, but I don’t mind at all. The crucial thing is that this trial can benefit others. I simply want to do my part. I used to be a blood donor for many years. Helping others has always been ingrained in me,” Mr. Winn emphasised.
Dr. Lindsay stated, “Obesity poses an increasingly significant problem for the healthcare system, and adopting a healthy diet combined with regular exercise is the most effective approach to manage and reduce weight.”
“For individuals who are overweight and also suffer from cardiovascular conditions like heart disease or stroke, losing weight can be particularly challenging due to limitations imposed by their underlying health issues, as Mr. Winn has mentioned.”
“This study focuses on evaluating whether a combination of treatments that have proven to assist with weight loss can be safely utilised in people with cardiovascular disease who have a history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. We also aim to determine if these treatments reduce the risk of further heart attacks or strokes,” Dr. Lindsay elaborated on the trial’s objectives.
To participate in research studies and stay informed about the health research conducted by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and its partners in the Bradford, Airedale, and Craven District, individuals can register for the “City of Research – Research As One” registry by visiting: https://cityofresearch.org/click-to-join/
