Bath hospital needs volunteers for stroke drug trial

Hospital researchers are supporting a study examining whether a new drug can help reduce the risk of recurrent strokes.

Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust took part in the Librexia trial, which is testing whether an anticoagulant called Milvexian could reduce the risk of future ischemic stroke in existing patients.

Participants must be at least 40 years old and have been to the Royal United Hospitals within 48 hours of an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, the foundation said.

Kelly Spencer, head of research at RUH, said the study could lead to a “really positive result”.

Ischemic strokes occur when a blockage cuts off the blood supply to part of the brain and brain cells die.

They can cause problems with speech and vision, as well as numbness or weakness in the face, arms, and legs.

A transient ischemic attack is caused by a temporary interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, resulting in sudden symptoms similar to a stroke.

Milvexian thins the blood, helping to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the bloodstream, the foundation says.

It said participants in the study would be randomly assigned to receive either Milvexian or a placebo, in addition to standard medications recommended by their doctor.

Patients are then seen every 13 weeks at the RUH for tests including blood tests and tests of liver and kidney function.

Ms Spencer said she was thrilled the hospital was taking part in “such an important study”.

“The RUH is highly regarded for its commitment to research and studies such as this reflect our ongoing work to support vital medical studies that can help us better care for our patients now and in the future,” she said.