Peterborough Hospital to trial treatment for autoimmune condition
Dr Poonam Sharma,[in yellow] consultant rheumatologist and principal investigator for the Gardenia Trial, said she was "proud" of the achievement
An NHS hospital in the region has become the first in Europe to trial a new treatment for people with an incurable autoimmune condition.
A research team at Peterborough City Hospital, run by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, is leading the pioneering study to help people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Commonly known as lupus, SLE is a complex long-term disease that can cause joint pain, skin rashes and fatigue. There is currently no cure, but symptoms can improve with early treatment.
One of the first patients to take part, Charlene from Peterborough, said being involved could be life-changing.
Charlene was diagnosed with lupus, external after experiencing sore muscles and joints for about a year.
"I didn't know anything about SLE when I received my diagnosis," she said.
"When I was approached about the study, I was happy to be involved, to raise awareness and understanding of SLE, and to take part in something that could help change lives."
It is hoped the trial, known as the Gardenia Trial, will contribute to the development of more effective treatments and improve quality of life for patients in the future.
Dr Poonam Sharma, consultant rheumatologist and principal investigator for the Gardenia Trial, said she was "proud" of the achievement.
"This milestone reflects the team's dedication to advancing research and improving care for people living with lupus," she added.
The research is being supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Dr Maria Koufali, NIHR's Director of Industry Life Sciences, said: "The Gardenia Trial offers hope for better disease control for patients whose daily lives are profoundly impacted by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus."
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