Landmark international cardiology clinical trial launches in Bradford

In the run up to International Clinical Trials Day (20 May), a landmark cardiology study has launched in Bradford where doctors have recruited one of the first participants in the UK.

Dr Steven Lindsay and Mr Keith Winn, first Yorkshire participant in the international REDEFINE 3 clinical trial.

Bradford Patient Recruitment Centre, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is leading the way in an effort to improve the lives of patients with heart disease.

The international REDEFINE 3 clinical trial is investigating the effects of a medicine – CagriSema – treating people living with obesity and diseases in the heart and blood vessels.

Bradford patient, Mr Keith Winn, aged 75 has become only the fourth randomised participant to the trial in the UK, and has revealed why he was keen to do so.
“I wanted to take part in this study because I believe that if we don’t take part in research studies like these, things won’t progress. It’s as simple as that. Hopefully I’m helping to build a future for my kids and grandkids,” he said.

Mr Winn, a retired health and safety construction consultant who was also a caving and climbing instructor in his spare time, has been a patient at Bradford Royal Infirmary since collapsing with a heart attack 15 years ago. Since then he has been under the care of Consultant Cardiologist Steven Lindsay and his team.

“It’s thanks to Dr Lindsay that I’m still here today as the prognosis was not very good in the early days. The heart attack stopped me doing lots of things I loved but I can still go walking, although it has to be on the flat, no hills! I am incredibly grateful to Dr Lindsay because it’s thanks to him getting me on the right balance of medication, I am still going strong.

“So when this trial was mentioned to me, I was all for it. They have explained to me that the benefits include improved cardiovascular function plus weight loss to some degree,” added Mr Winn.

The trial, which lasts for three years, will involve Mr Winn self injecting the medication on a weekly basis, making hospital visits plus checking daily on his blood sugar levels.

“There will be a lot of recording to do but I really don’t mind that. The important thing is that this trial can be of benefit to others. I just want to do my bit. I used to be a blood donor for many years. I have always been brought up to help others.”

Dr Lindsay said: “We all know that obesity is an increasing problem for the health service and that a healthy diet combined with regular exercise is the best way to control and reduce weight.

“For those who are overweight and have cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease or stroke, losing weight can be a particular challenge because often their underlying condition limits their ability to exercise as Mr Winn has described.

“This study in people with a history of heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease who are overweight, seeks to evaluate whether a combination of treatments that have been proven to help people lose weight can be used safely in people with cardiovascular disease and whether they reduce the risk of further heart attacks or strokes.”

If you want to participate in research studies and be informed about the health research happening in our Trust and our partners across the Bradford, Airedale and Craven District, sign up to the City of Research – Research As One’ registry here: https://cityofresearch.org/click-to-join/