R&D team are a UK first

As we approach AWP clinical trials week, the Research and Development Team have received the first UK consent for a global clinical trial run by Janssen.

The 'Sustain 2' trial aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of the use of a nasal spray for treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Esketamine spray is thought to decrease TRD by stimulating  the brain to produce more proteins in an area responsible for complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning. Initial findings with Esketamine treatment suggest that it may be a useful treatment for depression.

Clinical studies officer and project lead Heather Tinkler said, "It has been a bit of a challenge to get this study up and running, especially as we were the first UK site to open. It feels great to now be able to recruit service users and as a result of the enthusiasm and hard work of the clinical teams involved, we have been able to consent and screen the first UK participant!

"Although we don't know how effective the esketamine treatment will be, this is an exciting opportunity for our service users to explore new treatment options that aren't yet available and to help with understanding treatment-resistant depression."

Congratulations to our research team for their great work in making sure latest research opportunities are offered to our service users and carers.