SEHSCT Cardiology Research Team surpass Recruitment Milestone for PREVAIL Trial

June 25, 2024

Pictured (L-R) Ms Aileen Smith, Dr Bernardas Valecka and Ms Susan Regan.

Thanks to the SEHSCT Comms Team and Research Office for sharing this story:

The Cardiology Research Team at the Ulster Hospital, led by Dr Patrick Donnelly and Dr Bernardas Valecka, have achieved a significant milestone by surpassing their recruitment target in the ground-breaking ‘PREVAIL’ study.

The ‘PREVAIL’ study is a large international research initiative that aims to recruit 9,000 participants across 15 countries. The study focuses on patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease who have high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) commonly known as ‘bad cholesterol’ in their blood despite being on maximum cholesterol-lowering medication, or unable to take such medications (e.g. statins).

High levels of LDL cholesterol are a well-known major risk factor for the development of heart and blood vessel disease. The ‘PREVAIL’ study aims to demonstrate that the medication ‘Obicetrapib’ can effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of death and heart attacks. Obicetrapib works by inhibiting the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) found in the blood, which is responsible for increasing LDL cholesterol levels. By blocking this protein, the medication is expected to lower ‘bad cholesterol’ levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients.

Patient Ricky from SEHSCT who was participating in the study said,

“I would comfortably say it has been effortless and the research team are very welcoming and make you feel at ease. The trust reimburses travelling expenses together with a voucher for some breakfast or lunch from the café. I would encourage anyone considering taking part in any study to put themselves forward to help with research, I felt I was giving a little something back to our healthcare system and the research team were very appreciative of my effort.”

Dr Donnelly PI and Cardiology Clinical Lead for the NI Clinical Research Network, commented,

“It has been a great journey. We were fortunate to attract this study to the Ulster hospital and to have the support of the Northern Ireland Cardiac Research Network. Our patients have been very interested in taking part. I would like to thank our patients and the research team for all of their hard work and dedication in exceeding our recruitment target thereby making us one of the top recruiting sites in this global trial. This study has provided early access to a new medication for our patients and it has the potential to transform the way we manage high cholesterol and prevent heart disease.”

Dr Valecka said that,

“Our involvement in the ‘PREVAIL’ study highlights the South Eastern Trust’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular research and improving patient outcomes. We are proud to contribute to this significant research study and I want to thank all of our patients for taking part and our staff for their support.”

Susan Regan Research Nurse stated,

“It is a great privilege to work on this study and be involved in supporting evidence-based practice. I would especially like to thank the Cardiac Rehabiltation and Cardiac Chest Pain Teams who supported us with recruiting patients and taking the time to offer them the opportunity to be part of research.”

Amazing work being carried out by our SEHSCT NICRN colleagues. Keep up the great work team!