Major international clinical trial aimed at reducing the risk of serious heart complications is underway in Dorset

Researchers are looking for cardiovascular patients who are receiving medical treatment for type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure to take part.

The trial is running at two centres run by Wessex Research Hubs - Weymouth Research Hub and Bournemouth Research Hub.

Dr Elizabeth Jones, GP and Principal Investigator for the trial in Dorset, said the study represents an important step forward for patients at high cardiovascular risk.

“Many of the patients we see in general practice are living with several long‑term conditions at once, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. This trial is designed to explore whether an additional treatment approach could help reduce the risk of serious heart problems before heart failure develops. By taking part, patients are contributing to research that could shape how we care for people like them in the future.”

The study, known as EASi‑PROTKT™, is exploring whether a new investigational medicine, when used alongside an established treatment, could help protect people living with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease from future heart‑related events.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, particularly for people who also have diabetes and hypertension. While existing treatments help manage these conditions, many patients remain at risk of developing heart failure or experiencing further cardiovascular complications. This global study aims to address that unmet need.

EASi‑PROTKT™ is a Phase III clinical trial taking place in around 50 countries and is expected to involve approximately 11,800 adult participants worldwide, including Dorset residents.

Participants receive the approved medicine empagliflozin, with half also receiving an investigational medicine called vicadrostat, while the other half receive a placebo. Neither participants nor clinical teams will know which treatment combination an individual receives, helping ensure robust and unbiased results.

Over a period of two and a half to just over four years, participants will be supported through regular health checks, including clinic visits and telephone appointments. Researchers will monitor outcomes such as heart failure events, blood pressure, kidney health and overall cardiovascular safety. All study medication and study‑related care are provided at no cost, and travel expenses are reimbursed.

Wessex Research Hubs plays a key role in supporting the delivery of studies like EASi‑PROTKT™, helping to bring global research opportunities into local NHS settings. By working closely with hospital teams, GPs and communities, the research sites enable people in the region to take part in research that could help develop future treatments and improve healthcare.

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary, and people can withdraw at any time without it affecting their usual care. Researchers hope the findings will contribute to improved prevention strategies for people at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

For those eligible, taking part offers an opportunity not only to receive close health monitoring, but also to help advance research that may benefit patients for years to come.

FIND OUT MORE: https://www.easi-protktstudy.com/en-GB?utm_source=sdo&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BePart