Why is this study being conducted?
Gout is caused by a high level of uric acid in the blood, which builds up over time. Uric acid is produced when the body digests foods that contain a high level of a chemical called purine; purines can be found in certain types of meat, seafood, and alcohol. Normally, this uric acid is then passed through the urine. However, in people with gout, uric acid is not eliminated correctly and builds up in joints, causing very small crystals of uric acid to form; these are called urate crystals. When urate crystals dissolve, this can trigger a painful gout flare-up.
Many of the current approved treatments for gout are called urate-lowering therapies (ULTs). These are designed to lower the uric acid levels in blood. However, due to how these treatments work in the body, they can disturb the urate crystals in joints, leading to a gout flare-up.
Who is eligible to participate in this study?
You may be able to take part in the Gout Clinical Trial if you:
- Are aged between 18 and 85 years.
- Have high uric acid levels in blood.
- Have gout or a history of gout.
Additional eligibility criteria may apply and will be discussed directly with the Clinical Trial Coordinator.
What happens during the study?
The study will last up to 14 months. During the study, you will be required to:
- Attend regularly up to 17 study centre visits for health checks.
- Take your assigned study drug daily and receive additional medications to prevent gout flare-ups.
- Fill out an electronic diary each day to record any gout flare-ups.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary, and participants can decide to withdraw at any time.
Eligible participants will be reimbursed for travel, parking, meals and other expenses associated with each study visit.
For further information please contact Taryn Houghton, Clinical Trial Coordinator on 0479178535 or email: [email protected].
Ethics approval number for the Gout Clinical Trial: Bellberry Limited 2022-10-1070-AC, GU HREC 2023/353