The event’s focus was to provide colleagues the opportunity to share areas of good practice and discuss any challenges and solutions for renal research. It also provided colleagues the opportunity for networking and to hear presentations from the renal delivery staff.
Gemma was invited to represent DBTH and share renal research being undertaken at DBTH post COVID-19. Renal is just one of the many departments that the Research Team at DBTH work within alongside other departments such as Dermatology, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics and Surgery.
All research conducted in the department is done with the support of both the principal investigators for the project and the wider renal team, as any research is only possible due to the collaboration and engagement of the whole department supported by the research team.
During her presentation Gemma presented current and upcoming renal research being undertaken at DBTH including triumphs and challenges faced by the team. One of the highlights of Gemma’s presentation was DBTH’s involvement with the Alexion study.
This is a research study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a study drug called ALXN2050 against placebo (looks like the study drug but contains no active ingredient) in adult participants, between the ages of 18-75, with Proliferative Lupus Nephritis (LN) or Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN).
Chronic kidney disease has become a worldwide public health issue due to its high rates, poor prognosis and substantial economic burden, there is a significant unmet need for methods that allow more positive treatments for patients with both LN and IgAN.
Adult participants between 18 and 75 years of age who are living with either LN or IgAN and who are receiving treatment with standard, or care therapy may be eligible to take part in this research study and they would stay in the study for about 158 weeks (about three years). The study has four different phases, and participants would be allocated to different cohorts depending on whether they have LN or IgAN.
DBTH began screening for the study in 2022, and successfully recruited the first patient in January 2023. This patient was not only the first patient at DBTH, and therefore allowed it to hit the target of one patient randomised on the trial, but they were also the first patient in the UK for the trial. At DBTH, there are many patients with IgA and therefore the Research team can continue screening for the trial. In March 2023, the team were able to randomise the second patient at site and in the UK for the trial.
DBTH became and have continued to be the leading recruitment site for the UK for the Alexion study.
Talking about the event Gemma had this to say: “It was amazing to be given the opportunity to present and represent the fantastic renal research we are doing here at DBTH. It’s important to have these opportunities to share our strategies and good practice to the wider region to ensure we are providing the best possible care for our patients and to ensure we have the absolute gold standard when it comes to approaching research.”
To find out more about how you can be involved in Research at DBTH please visit the dedicated page: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/research-and-development/ 