Celebrating International Clinical Trials Day
Today marks International Clinical Trials Day, which is celebrated around the world to raise awareness of the importance of research in healthcare.
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International Clinical Trials Day #ICTD2023 is held every year on the 20 May to mark the anniversary of the first ever clinical trial in history, which was conducted by James Lind on board HMS Salisbury in 1747, and tested the hypothesis that scurvy could be cured by eating citrus fruits.
Several centuries later, the COVID-19 pandemic has once again shown to the world the importance of clinical trials, enabling us to rapidly develop vaccines and treatments.
Today we shine a light on our pioneering national and international research which is continuing to giving hope to many patients and their families.
Here's a list of some of our most recent medical breakthroughs:
- Our researchers are leading a world-first trial testing the use of stem cell transplantation against the strongest drugs for multiple sclerosis. The trial could see MS stem cell treatment offered as a first-line therapy for patients with ‘aggressive’ MS instead of when all other treatments have failed.
- The US drugs regulator, the Food & Drugs Administration, has approved the use of the drug tofersen to target a genetic cause of motor neurone disease. The drug is the first and only approved treatment (US only) for patients with the rare S0D1 mutation, making this a big step in MND research. The approval was based on research led by The University of Sheffield and involving the NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility which showed the drug slowed and even reversed some of the effects of the disease.
- An artificial intelligence tool that spots heart damage on MRI heart scans in seconds could improve future cardiovascular care by speeding up heart disease diagnosis. The technology has been named as a double finalist in the Health Service Journal’s Digital Awards, including Digital Innovator of the Year.
- A breakthrough test measuring cortisol in the saliva rather than in the blood has been shown to offer a less invasive and simpler way to diagnose adrenal insufficiency, a common disorder of the adrenal glands. The at-home test, which adds convenience and saves time, could transform future practice.
- Leading fertility experts are testing a tomato-based diet supplement for male infertility to see how it affects sperm in men with fertility issues. The dietary compound, known as LactoLycopene, could transform the outlook for men with fertility problems.
Thank you to all our staff researchers, patients, volunteers and partners who help make clinical research happen.
If you want to find out more about taking part in clinical trials, email sth.getinvolved@nhs.net
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