A new renal research study, EASi-KIDNEY, which offers hope to people living with chronic kidney disease by aiming to delay or prevent the need for dialysis, is now underway at the Ulster Hospital, which is the first study site in Northern Ireland.
The Research Team in the South Eastern Trust, led by Consultant Nephrologist, Dr Alastair Woodman, has already surpassed its initial recruitment target of 25 patients within six months.
As there is still no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease, new treatments continue to be explored.
EASi-KIDNEY is investigating whether a new medication, Vicadrostat, taken in combination with the established treatment Empagliflozin, can reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease or cardiovascular events in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.
EASi-KIDNEY aims to recruit 11,000 participants with kidney disease from more than 500 hospitals worldwide.
One of the patients taking part in the study is renal patient, Mark Bell from Carrickfergus, who was born with a kidney condition and has been attending the Renal Unit at the Ulster Hospital for a number of years.
Mark said, “When I heard about the study, I was very keen to take part. My young son was born with the same condition that I have. Treatment and care have changed significantly over the years, so for me, this is an opportunity to try and pay it forward to the next generation.
“I have been attending appointments at the Ulster Hospital and things have been going really well. The team are brilliant, if I have any issues, I can phone them and get advice straight away. It is great.”
Dr Woodman stated, “Great strides have been made in recent years in the treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease and we are excited to be involved in the EASi-KIDNEY trial, which is the largest ever study of treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease. This study has the potential to redefine treatment approaches and advance care for patients living with Chronic Kidney Disease worldwide.”
Clinical Research Nurse, Vicki Adell, added, “We have been very lucky to have over 25 patients who are willing to take part and give up their time to help us with this study. No study can be run without participants, so it is vital that we keep patients at the heart of research while providing them with high-quality care.
“EASi-KIDNEY follows on from the Empa-Kidney study, a previous research trial which was also launched at the Ulster Hospital. A number of patients who took part in Empa-Kidney are now participating in EASi-KIDNEY, having had a positive experience of research and seen the direct benefits of the earlier study.
“The Research Team continues to recruit participants to the study and are looking forward to the results of this important trial.”
For further information about the EASi-KIDNEY study, please contact research.activity@setrust.hscni.net or by phoning (028) 9598 0075.