Find clinical trials recruiting now
Join EASi‑PROTKT™
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 at the NIHR Wessex Commercial Research Delivery Centre, 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.
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.
https://www.easi-protktstudy.com/en-GB?utm_source=sdo&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BePart
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is health research?
All new treatments go through phases of research to ensure they are safe and effective, and any side effects kept to a minimum. The results of these studies lead to treatments which help prevent diseases and diagnose illnesses. Every study we run is different and we work with both healthy participants and patients with a specific condition. We'll explain what's involved before you decide if you want to take part.
Why is health research important?
All health research relies on people being willing to take part. Every year in the UK, thousands of people put themselves forward. For example, it was volunteers who helped turn the tide against Covid-19 by taking part in vaccine trials. Our participants are currently helping us research new treatments for infectious diseases. Our vision is to run as many studies as we can to really make a difference to people’s lives.
Why take part?
• Help save lives and improve healthcare for others
• Help develop new treatments for future generations
• If you have an illness or condition, you might be able to try a new treatment
• Your health may be monitored more regularly
• Your time and expenses reimbursed (rate vary by study)
What if I still feel a little unsure?
That’s ok. Our team is here to help. We want you to be informed and supported at every stage, and we promise to give you study-specific information which is easy to understand. Your visits will take place at your closest hub. You will be seen by our specialist research team made up of doctors, nurses and clinical trials assistants. We will also ensure your GP is kept informed of your involvement and progress throughout the study.
"It's too easy just to let someone else step up to the plate, do the work and take the benefit. I wanted to make an effort to play my own part."
Michael – Research participant, Weymouth
