European first for Peterborough City Hospital’s pioneering research team
A research team at Peterborough City Hospital (PCH) is the first in Europe to enrol a patient to a trial which aims to improve treatment for people with an incurable autoimmune condition.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – widely known as Lupus – is a complex long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness.
There's no cure yet, but symptoms can improve if treatment starts early.
Peterborough City Hospital is part of the North West Anglian NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT).
The Trust’s Research and Development Team at PCH is leading the work on the pioneering study – called the Gardenia Trial – which is also supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Charlene, from Peterborough, was chosen to take part in the Gardenia trial, which is the first study of its kind to open across NWAFT.
After experiencing sore muscles and joints for around a year, Charlene went to her GP assuming her condition would be attributed to using the gym too much, fatigue from her busy schedule, or even just low iron.
It was only when she developed swollen joints and sun burn that she realised something was wrong.
Following a blood test, she discovered she had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and, following the diagnosis, was referred to the Rheumatology department at Peterborough City Hospital
“I didn't know anything about SLE when I received my diagnosis,” Charlene said.
“When I was approached about the study, I was happy to be involved and to help raise more awareness and information about SLE… and be a part of a study that can help change lives.”
Dr Poonam Sharma, is a Director of Research and Development who is also a Consultant Rheumatologist and Principal Investigator for the Gardenia trial.
“I'm really proud of our research team who have made outstanding progress in recruiting participants to the various clinical trials we participate in and am proud to have enrolled Charlene as the first patient in Europe to a Phase 3 Lupus study.”
It is hoped that studies like this will contribute to the development of more effective treatments, offering better disease control and improved quality of life for patients in the future.
Dr Sharma added: “This milestone reflects the team's dedication to advancing research and improving care for people living with Lupus. As Principal investigator for the study, I am very proud of this achievement and would like to congratulate the research department on this excellent milestone.”
Dr Maria Koufali, NIHR's Director of Industry Life Sciences, said: "Congratulations to Dr Poonam Sharma and the team at Peterborough City Hospital. The Gardenia Trial offers hope for better disease control for patients whose daily lives are profoundly impacted by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
"Achieving this European first in a late-phase clinical trial is a testament to the clinical excellence within the NHS and the vital support provided by the NIHR."