PiSCATIN study reaches full recruitment milestone
PiSCATIN study reaches full recruitment milestone
Professor Annika Bergquist
The PiSCATIN clinical trial, which is evaluating the use of simvastatin in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), has successfully reached its recruitment target. A total of 570 participants have been enrolled in the study, and recruitment officially closed on 15 April 2025.
What is the current status of the study?
The study is now in the treatment and monitoring phase. A new batch of study medication has been received, ensuring that all participants can continue their treatment according to the protocol. The study team is also conducting ongoing quality control of data from the first 25 participants who have already completed the study.
When will the results be available?
While the study is progressing well, clinical trials require significant time to ensure findings are robust and accurate. The timeline for the interim analysis has been updated and is currently scheduled for March 2027. This analysis will provide vital insights into the progress and safety of the treatment.
Why is this research important?
PSC is a rare, immune-mediated liver disease that currently has no proven medical treatment to stop or slow its progression. By investing in trials like PiSCATIN, PSC Support aims to unlock the understanding of disease processes and establish evidence-based treatments that can improve health outcomes for the PSC community.
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Organisational excellence: We simplified our personal data consent process and streamlined how we record patient stories to ensure that the lived experiences of our community are captured accurately and securely to inform future work.
Progressing Research: We coordinated a series of upcoming meetings with international researchers and pharmaceutical companies, which supports better informed decisions for people with PSC, research, or care. This groundwork helps keep PSC research focused on the primary needs of the patient community.
Progressing Research: We reviewed and contributed to scientific abstracts and posters for the upcoming EASL international liver congress, which strengthens the quality of future research for people with PSC, research, or care.
Progressing Research: We engaged with the MHRA to prepare for the upcoming national consultation on rare disease therapies, representing PSC patients in the wider community. Maintaining this direct dialogue ensures our organisation is prepared to respond formally and protect the interests of those living with PSC
Improving Care: We presented about what it is really like to live with PSC to gastroenterologists This first-hand insight equips healthcare professionals to better understand the day-to-day challenges of PSC.
Income Generation: We secured a place in the prestigious Big Give Small Charity Week match-funding campaign, so that we can maximise future donations from our supporters as every donation between 22 and 29 June will be doubled!
Progressing Research: We recruiting for a research and advocacy officer to expand our core team. This additional capacity ensures we can better support scientific studies and represent the patient voice at every level.