People interested in taking part in a lowering cholesterol study will be able to be screened for their eligibility and find out more about research opportunities – thanks to a week-long focus at Walsall Manor Hospital.

The Faculty of Research and Clinical Education (FORCE) Team is hosting daily stands in the main atrium of the hospital until this Friday 8 November, 11am -2pm.

One of the main aims is to raise awareness of the MK06026-015 (cholesterol study), a clinical research study that tests an investigational medication in adults to learn how it works to lower cholesterol compared with a placebo.

The placebo looks like the investigational medication but contains no active ingredients. Researchers will also study how well participants tolerate taking the investigational medication and whether it reduces cardiovascular issues.

Dr Senthilkumar Krishnasamy,  Diabetes Lead Consultant at Walsall Healthcare, is Principal Investigator on this study.

He said: “Our bodies need cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase our risk of heart disease.

“This study is open to those aged 18 and above who are taking cholesterol medication – with or without supplements to control their cholesterol – who have had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, stroke, procedure to reopen a blocked artery in the neck or leg amputation due to a blocked artery.

“This study may also be suitable for those aged 50 or above – taking cholesterol medication with or without supplements – who are considered at high risk of a major cardiovascular event because they have health concerns.

“These concerns could be blockages in two or more arteries, or for people aged 60 or older who have risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure.”

Dr Krishnasamy is being supported by Dr Rumi Jaumdally, Consultant Cardiologist at Walsall Healthcare.

Dr Jaumdally said: “The length of time people participate in the study is determined by when they join. The average time is about four and a half years.

“We look forward to talking to people about it through next week and beyond and also encourage people to ask us about our other studies in Walsall, which range from end-of-life care to Gynaecology.

“We’re proud to be a research-active Trust, working with our communities to bring better outcomes for all.”

Ben Jones, Lead Research Practitioner added: “We participated in the previous phase of the trial for this drug and results showed a reduction in bad cholesterol of up to 60.9 per cent on average, so it’s exciting to have the opportunity to offer this trial to more patients here in Walsall.”

Potential participants can contact Walsall.research1@nhs.net