Belfast Trust Diabetes Research Team Recruit first patient to ‘FAME 1 Eye’ Trial – Only European Site

March 21, 2024

Pictured (L-R): Ms Azenith Duffy, Dr Philip Johnston, BHSCT patient Ms Catherine Flood, Ms Arlene Hamilton and Ms Eileen Killen.

Our Belfast Trust research team have recruited the first patient to the FAME 1 Eye trial:

RETINOPATHY AND FENOFIBRATE IN ADULTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES (FAME 1 EYE)

Belfast trust is the only research site in Europe – A hugely important decision by lead sponsor, The University of Sydney, Australia.

People with diabetes are 25-times more likely to lose vision than those without. The tight glucose control that can prevent the development of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) is often difficult to achieve, and even if it is, retinopathy can still develop.

In people with Type 2 diabetes a once daily specific blood fat lowering tablet fenofibrate can substantially predict against the progression of eye damage, independent of blood fat levels. Fenofibrate also protects against diabetic kidney and nerve damage.

FAME-1 Eye is the first trial in Type 1 diabetes and aims to determine at least 3-years of fenofibrate can also protect against eye damage in adults with existent early retinopathy. Results, if positive can be immediately used in clinical practice.

The study aims to recruit 450 participants from Australia and 3 International sites in New Zealand, Hong Kong and Belfast.

If you would like to know more, contact the study team below:

If you would like to know more about the FAME 1 Eye Trial click here.

By Emma Byrne