Chichester hospital among first in UK to trial potential new treatment for heart failure and obesity

The three-year trial is comparing an investigational treatment with a placebo to assess whether it can improve outcomes for people affected by the two conditions.

The study is being delivered through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC): Sussex, which is marking its first anniversary.

According to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs St Richard’s Hospital, the Chichester site opened the trial just 18 days after being selected to take part.

The research team consented its first participant within 35 days of site selection and went on to randomise the first two participants in the UK.

Heart failure affects around one million people across the country and is one of the leading causes of hospital admission among older adults. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart failure and can make the condition more difficult to manage.

The research could help establish whether the treatment offers benefits to patients living with both conditions, although its effectiveness has yet to be determined.

Preparations at St Richard’s began months before recruitment opened. Consultant cardiologist Dr Wong, the study’s principal investigator, worked with research administrator Marian Nelmes, a research nurse coordinator and a research facilitator to get the site ready.

The team also identified three potential participants in advance, allowing eligible patients to be approached soon after the study received the necessary approvals.

The trust said participants had responded positively to taking part, highlighting the opportunity to contribute to research that could benefit future patients, as well as receiving regular follow-up appointments and specialist support.

Professor Martin Llewelyn, director of research and innovation at University Hospitals Sussex, said: ““At UHSussex, through our strategy Excellent Care Everywhere, we are committed to delivering excellent care for our communities today and for the future.

"Research gives patients access to tomorrow’s treatments today. By working closely with industry partners and delivering studies efficiently, we can offer more opportunities for people across Sussex to take part in research while contributing to discoveries that have the potential to improve care for patients everywhere.”

The trial forms part of a wider programme of commercial clinical research delivered through NIHR CRDC: Sussex, which is hosted by University Hospitals Sussex in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The centre aims to make it easier for companies to establish clinical trials across hospital, mental health, community and primary care services, helping patients access research into new medicines, medical devices and healthcare technologies.

Recruitment to the Chichester trial is continuing, with the trust reporting that the team is already ahead of its recruitment target.