RUH Bath Seeks Participants for Stroke Drug Trial

The Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust has announced its involvement in a study investigating whether a new drug can help lower the risk of reoccurring strokes. The trust is participating in the Librexia study, which aims to determine if an anticoagulant known as Milvexian could reduce the risk of future ischaemic stroke in existing patients. The trust stated that participants must be aged 40 or above and have presented at Royal United Hospitals within 48 hours of an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Kelly Spencer, head of research operations at the RUH, commented that the study has the potential to produce a “really positive outcome”. Ischaemic strokes occur when a blockage interrupts the blood supply to a section of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. These events can result in speech and visual disturbances, in addition to numbness or weakness in the face, arms, and legs. A transient ischaemic attack, conversely, is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to a part of the brain, producing sudden symptoms similar to those of a stroke. The trust explained that Milvexian functions by thinning the blood, thereby assisting in reducing the risk of blood clots forming in the bloodstream. It was noted that participants in the study would be randomly assigned to receive either Milvexian or a placebo, alongside standard medications recommended by their doctor. Patients will subsequently attend the RUH every 13 weeks for assessments, which include blood tests and evaluations of liver and kidney function. Ms. Spencer expressed her delight that the hospital is participating in “such an important study”. She added, “The RUH is well-respected for its commitment to research and studies like these reflect our ongoing work to support vital medical trials which can help us better care for our patients now and in the future.” For further information, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Details regarding our approach to external linking are available.