University of Glasgow Heart Failure team visit to Roche Diagnostics in Penzberg.
Published: 26 March 2024
Update from the Glasgow Biomarker Centre of Clinical Excellence in Heart Failure (Partnered and Funded by Roche)
Update from the Glasgow Biomarker Centre of Clinical Excellence in Heart Failure (Partnered and Funded by Roche)
This March, a delegation from the Glasgow Biomarker Centre of Clinical Excellence in Heart Failure, including key members from SCMHs, travelled to Penzberg for an important meeting with Roche, partner and funder of the Centre. This meeting was not only a significant occasion but also marked the commencement (first patient, first visit) of the BIOPEF study—the first to begin recruitment under the collaborative agreement.
The team is working with Roche to identify new biomarkers to diagnose and treat heart failure. Roche have invested £5 million to fund the collaborative projects which will extend until 2027. The three project teams are led by Ruth MacKenzie, Ross Campbell, Rachel Myles, Matthew Lee, Caroline Coats, Kieran Docherty, Ninian Lang, Roy Gardner, John McMurray, Pardeep Jhund and Mark Petrie. University of Glasgow biomarker expertise is led by Paul Welsh, Elaine Butler and Naveed Sattar. The Robertson Centre statistical team also participated (Nicola Greenlaw and Alex McConnachie). Three PhD students (Alice Brennan, Dan Dohery and Fraser Goldie) funded by the collaboration led discussions around their studies. More projects including one in cardio-oncology are planned. Ninian Lang gave a keynote lecture highlighting the potential value of biomarkers in patients receiving agents that tackle cancer but cause cardiovascular harm.
Initiation of the BIOPEF Study
The initiation of the BIOPEF study represents a key milestone in our research endeavours, as it is the first study to start recruitment. This milestone underscores our commitment to advancing heart failure research and improving patient outcomes.
Planning for Future Studies
During the meeting, time was dedicated to planning the forthcoming studies, Bio-SCOTCH and BIO-CONGEST. Additionally, the Executive Committee meeting was held to discuss project strategies and directions. These discussions are crucial for setting the course of our research and ensuring the successful execution of upcoming projects.
Engagement and Further Discussions
In the next few months, we aim to expand discussions on the aims, design, and opportunities for engagement with these studies. This will include outreach within SCMH and across the College, fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging participation in our research activities.
First published: 26 March 2024