Renal research team recruit first UK patient for study investigating drug to reduce cardiac risk

Congratulations to the renal research team who have recruited the first patient in the UK for a study investigating the potential of a drug to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems for patients with kidney disease.

There is currently no approved therapy to target cardiovascular calcification which increases the risk of stroke and sudden cardiac death. Initial studies suggest that the CaLIPSO study drug SNF472 could have some value in reducing the cardiovascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is the most severe stage of chronic kidney disease, whereby patients require replacement of renal function through dialysis or transplant.

This global study is currently recruiting patients from around ten hospital sites in the UK. It will assess the effect of two dose levels of SNF472 compared to placebo on the progression of absolute change in coronary artery calcium volume over a 12-month period.

Professor Alastair Hutchison, Consultant Renal Physician at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Principal Investigator for CaLIPSO, said: “Well done to the renal research team for this fantastic achievement. Their hard work is appreciated by all involved in the study. We hope that this trial is the first step towards offering treatment which can make a real difference to the quality of life experienced by patients in Manchester with chronic kidney disease.”