The Royal Devon has recruited the first participant in Europe to a new international study for people living with Alport syndrome, a rare inherited kidney condition.

Dr Coralie Bingham and her team at the Royal Devon University recruited the first European participant to the study. The study is sponsored by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. The NIHR Research Delivery Network supported the study enabling rapid set-up and recruitment, alongside national initiatives to streamline commercial research.

This recruitment success demonstrates the impact of the Network which works in partnership with commercial sponsors and health and care organisations to accelerate research and give patients faster access to cutting-edge therapies through research.

About Alport Syndrome

Alport syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the kidneys. It can also cause hearing and eye problems. Over time, many people with the condition develop serious kidney disease.

People with rare conditions often have limited treatment options. Research is essential to help improve care and develop new treatments.

The renal research team at the Royal Devon has experience in supporting people with rare kidney conditions and delivering research studies.

By taking part in this study, the team is helping to give patients access to new research and contribute to knowledge that could benefit others in the future.

Sarah Benyon, Senior Research Nurse at the Royal Devon said:

“This is a very exciting study. Alport syndrome is a genetic disease, and there is currently no treatment beyond good blood pressure control and symptomatic support, so we are very excited to be part of research into a potentially life-changing new drug treatment!”

Discover more about health research at our Trust here.