Phase 2 study of a new monoclonal antibody targeting inflammatory pathways in PSC

Dear Colleagues,
 
We are currently recruiting to a phase 2 study of a new monoclonal antibody targeting inflammatory pathways in PSC.
 
Given the lack of effective treatments, and the relative rarity of PSC we are keen to cast our net as widely as possible.
In addition, the inclusion criteria are difficult, with a combination of raised ALP but not cirrhotic, and with IBD quiescent/controlled without biologics, and stable meds without recent cholangitis. Its proving pretty challenging.
 
I'd be grateful if you would consider whether any of your patients may be suitable. 
Expenses for travel are reimbursed and there is also a small stipend (£99) for each study visit.
 
I've attached a summary of the inclusion/exclusion criteria and study design, along with the patient information leaflet.
 
Please email me regarding any patients who are interested - we will arrange a telephone call in the first instance and bring them up for screening if appropriate.
 
many thanks for considering,
 
Dr Stephen Barclay
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
t: 0141 201 6383
e: stephen.barclay@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
 

The UK PBC Audit, supported by the BSG, BASL and the PBC Foundation

Dear Colleagues, 

It would be fantastic if you could consider involvement in The UK PBC Audit.

Not only is this a chance for us to remember that there is a world beyond COVID; but also it is an opportunity for the Scots to show the rest of the UK how it is done! 
…..the committee are particularly interested in the impact our differing prescribing pathways for obeticholic acid impact on outcome…

The audit has already collected data on 2500 patients from 60 NHS Trusts/Health Boards in just 5 months!
Target patient group: all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PBC or PBC-AIH overlap syndrome, who are under follow-up at the participating centre at the time of data collection. 
All NHS Hospitals are welcome.
The audit has the potential to make a real difference to patients! If interested please see the website (UK PBC Audit – UK-PBC) or email (uk.pbcaudit@nhs.net)

Best wishes
Jo Leithead, Consultant Hepatologist, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
Scottish representative on the audit steering committee

BSG - Quality Standards Framework

British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) values its role in specialism development and best practice guidance and remains dedicated to leading innovation and clinical support. It has committed to sponsoring a full, Quality Standards Framework (QSF) pilot initiative that builds on spring 2022, pre-pilot findings between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023. This pilot will offer specialist gastroenterology and hepatology services of all types and level, the opportunity and support to review, assess and focus planning around
service awareness and performance. Individual pilot analysis, along with anonymous comparator data will be provided to all participants once all data has been fully evaluated.
We would ask you to work with your region and nominate centres that you feel would benefit from the opportunity to take part and ensure that expressions of interest in the QSF pilot are submitted by Friday 30 September 2022. All we ask is that they are interested in quality assessment generally and in representing their region as a leader in gastro-hepatology service improvement. We will then make a representative selection. The link to the expression of interest form is here: https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/Y3JPFTF
There are some basic expectations for the pilot that participants would need to commit to, but appropriate support in the form of guidance and resources will be offered by the BSG, both on the BSG website and via the pilot project team (see email address below).
Please do actively recommend this pilot to your local hospitals and Trusts, highlighting both service and workforce benefits that dedicated quality focus can provide. For information, please see our resource: https://bsg.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/QSF-Pilot-FAQs-30.08.pdf