39: HMG-COA reductase inhibitor and renal disease

(Also refer to Project 30)
Evaluation of the effect of the HMG-COA reductase inhibitor on the progression of renal disease. ($5,000) to be combined with Project No. 30.

Combined with Project 30, this adds to the existing $134,000 grant over three years awarded to Professor Rob Fassett, who will expand this clinical trial involving approximately 200 renal patients in the North and North-West of Tasmania.

The study aims to determine whether patients with chronic renal disease will benefit from taking a drug (atrovastatin) that is designed to lower blood cholesterol. It requires patients to have their renal function tested every three months for the duration of the three year trial. The trial uses a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled design, which means patients will be randomly assigned to either a group taking the study drug or a group taking an identical placebo tablet that has no effect. To determine the benefits of the drug on the progression of renal disease comparisons will be made between patients in the two groups.

The study is one of the largest investigator-initiated clinical trials to be conducted in Tasmania and is evidence of the increase in medical research from the North of the State.