The Yorkshire and Humber region saw many Global and European first participants take part in a number of trials and studies. One of these was Elaine, from Bradford, who took part in the TIDE trial, an asthma study that evaluated the safety of the drug Amlitelimab.
The study aimed to recruit around 420 participants from 15 countries, with Elaine to be one of them.
Elaine, a former nurse at Bradford Royal Infirmary, has lived with brittle asthma since she was 30. Now in her 60s, the mother from Bradford has lived with the condition for over half of her life.
Brittle asthma is where it’s uncontrolled. It doesn’t matter what medication that you’re on, there’s no cure for it.
This is why I will go on to the trials and try anything, just to make myself better and help other people as well.
She had already taken part in two clinical studies previously, and was more than happy to participate in a third.
Participating in the trial involves recording Elaine’s peak flows twice a day and receiving a monthly injection at the hospital. Elaine speaks highly of the support she receives: “Obviously when you’re going into a new trial you might have some reservations, but the whole team, the doctors and nurses, are very helpful. They will allay any fears that you have. You can always ask them any questions at any time.”
Taking part has significantly improved Elaine’s quality of life. She shares, “Taking part in this trial has made me able to get to the end of the street now, where I wasn’t able to walk very far. I don’t get out of breath as quick.”
Participating in research has given Elaine hope. She explains:
You just feel wonderful that somebody else might just benefit… It makes me happy to think that by doing this and taking part that I’m giving back to somebody else.