York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recruit first global participant to vasculitis study

York Hospital has recruited the world’s first participant to a study looking into a drug used to treat patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis (AAV).

The AvacoStar study aims to further understand the identified and potential risks of avacopan, a drug sometimes given to those with AAV; a type of inflammation of the small blood vessels, most often affecting the kidneys and the lungs. There are two main types of AAV, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Those diagnosed with these two types are proposed to take part in the study and patients commencing avacopan or non-avacopan induction therapy will be recruited. Routine follow up data is collected and analysed without additional study visits.

Dr Keith McCullough, the Principal Investigator for the study said, “We are pleased to be able to offer our patients in York the opportunity to participate in this international, observational study. The condition can significantly impact on long-term health, and existing effective treatments can carry a significant burden of side effects and health complications.”

The world’s first participant, Mary, 76, from York, has MPA and said, “I wanted to know more. Dr McCullough talked me through the trial, and it seemed very straightforward, so I decided I would take part.” When asked why she wished to be part of research, Mary said: “If it helps me to improve my condition and it helps others in future then I want to be able to do that - improve and get better and help others.”

Commercial Research Manager Marthe Ludtmann added, “We are delighted that Dr McCullough and the R&D team have recruited the 1st global participant to the AvacoStar study. It showcases the excellence of our team and demonstrates how reactive and responsive we are as a trial site to commercial companies.”

Renal Research Nurse Siobhan Sutton said, “We were delighted to recruit the first global participant to this study, however, this wouldn’t have been possible without the engagement and enthusiasm from our patients. Without them, the delivery of research within renal medicine would not be possible.  It was a pleasure to meet with Mary and hear how passionately she feels about taking part in research. Being able to spend time with all of our patients, to hear their stories and understand why taking part in research is important to them, is an extremely rewarding part of my role as a Renal Research Nurse.”