A research study is looking at whether a new cholesterol-lowering pill can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The study is taking place in GP practices across North London, as part of a new primary care research partnership supported by the BRC, the NIHR North London Regional Research Delivery Network, and Noclor.
The study
Many people who have already had heart problems – or are at high risk of having heart problems – take medicines like statins to lower their LDL cholesterol.
But even with these medicines, some people still don’t reach healthy cholesterol levels, and their risk remains high.
The study, AZURE OUTCOMES, which is sponsored by AstraZeneca, is looking at a new type pill called AZD0780, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
AZD0780 blocks a protein called PCSK9 - high levels of which can lead to more cholesterol remaining in the bloodstream.
The study will see if the treatment reduces the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes for people receiving it.
There are already PCSK9 treatments available, but at the moment they are given as injections. AZD0780 could be the first oral version of the treatment.
The research partnership
The study is part of a new research partnership in North London made up of GP networks in Camden, Enfield and Barnet.
The research partnership, supported by the BRC, is a new way of supporting clinical research across different care settings.
By operating in primary care, the partnership aims to recruit patients into studies who may not otherwise be offered the chance to take part in research.
The research partnership is funded by the NIHR North London Regional Research Delivery Network, with the BRC providing additional support for posts and equipment.
For the research partnership, Noclor, the research office, support on study set up and management, in collaboration with the UCL/UCLH Joint Research Office which is funded by the BRC.
The primary care research partnership is an example of how the JRO and Noclor are working together to expand research opportunities.
Image: Adobe Stock / digitalskillet1
