Tamworth

Researchers are investigating the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of combining baxdrostat with dapagliflozin compared to dapagliflozin alone in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high blood pressure. This Phase III, international, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to see if this combination reduces risks such as significant kidney function decline, kidney failure, heart failure events, or cardiovascular death. The study includes a 4-week run-in period where participants not previously treated with SGLT2 inhibitors receive dapagliflozin alone. After this, participants are randomly assigned to receive either baxdrostat plus dapagliflozin or placebo plus dapagliflozin in a double-blinded manner. Study visits occur frequently initially (at 2, 4, 8, 16, 34, and 52 weeks after randomization) and then approximately every 4 months. If participants stop the blinded treatment early, they continue dapagliflozin alone unless specific criteria require its discontinuation. Participants will undergo regular assessments including blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests related to kidney function and cardiovascular health. The primary outcome measures the reduction in risk of major kidney and heart events over up to 37 months. Even if participants stop the study treatment, they will continue follow-up visits and data collection to ensure comprehensive safety and efficacy evaluation throughout the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of a combination treatment including adagrasib, pembrolizumab, and platinum-doublet chemotherapy compared to a placebo combined with pembrolizumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy. This study focuses on adults with previously untreated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a KRAS G12C mutation. The trial is a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study designed to provide insights into treatment options for this specific lung cancer type. Participants receive either adagrasib plus pembrolizumab alongside platinum-doublet chemotherapy drugs such as carboplatin or cisplatin and pemetrexed, or they receive a placebo plus pembrolizumab and the same chemotherapy regimen. The dosages and schedules of these drugs are specified and administered on predetermined days. The trial compares these two treatment groups to understand better the impact of adding adagrasib to the existing pembrolizumab and chemotherapy treatment. Throughout the study, participants are closely monitored for progression-free survival and overall survival, assessed up to seven years using standardized criteria for tumor response. Regular imaging scans such as CT or MRI are used to measure disease status. Safety and tolerability are also evaluated during the study, with ongoing assessments to track adverse effects and treatment response. The total duration of follow-up allows for long-term observation of treatment outcomes and participant health.

Researchers are working on the ETHOS II Project to improve care for people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs (NSPs) across New South Wales and Australia. The project aims to create a framework for better HCV screening and treatment services in these settings nationally. It is a collaborative effort involving multiple health and research organizations, focusing on individuals with a history of injecting drug use or those receiving opioid substitution therapy. The study involves an intervention that includes on-site HCV RNA testing, liver fibrosis assessment, and helping participants connect to care to increase the use of direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV. Participants will undergo procedures such as Hepatitis C testing, fibroscan, questionnaires, and clinical assessments during "campaign days." A sub-study will invite 550 participants to provide blood samples to evaluate new diagnostic tests for chronic HCV infection. The project also includes interviews with policy makers, clinicians, and patients to understand challenges in HCV care, and the development of an education and training program to improve workforce skills and HCV care quality. Participants will be recruited from drug treatment clinics, general practices, and NSP programs. They will complete surveys and may consent to link their data with health databases for ongoing study. The main outcome measured is the number of participants starting anti-HCV treatment each year for up to three years. Researchers will monitor participant health records and follow up through medical record reviews, ensuring thorough tracking of treatment initiation and care engagement throughout the study duration.

Researchers are investigating whether olomorasib combined with pembrolizumab is more effective than pembrolizumab plus placebo for participants with resected KRAS G12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in part A. In part B, they are assessing if olomorasib combined with durvalumab is more effective than durvalumab plus placebo for participants with unresectable KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC. This Phase 3 study may last up to 3 years for each participant.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of balcinrenone/dapagliflozin compared with dapagliflozin alone on cardiovascular death and heart failure events in patients with chronic heart failure and impaired kidney function who recently experienced a heart failure event. This is a Phase III, international, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled study involving approximately 700 sites in about 40 countries. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive one of three treatments once daily: a capsule of balcinrenone/dapagliflozin 15 mg/10 mg with a placebo tablet, a capsule of balcinrenone/dapagliflozin 40 mg/10 mg with a placebo tablet, or a dapagliflozin 10 mg tablet with a placebo capsule. The study is event-driven, with an estimated average duration of 22 months that includes a screening period, a 20-month blinded treatment phase, and a one-month follow-up on open-label dapagliflozin. During the study, participants will be monitored for the time to first occurrence of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or heart failure events without hospitalization over approximately 38 months. Assessments include clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and safety monitoring throughout the study and follow-up period to track treatment effects and patient outcomes.