PHOENIX Trial Hits Recruitment Target of Over 3,000 Participants
Groundbreaking study co-sponsored by NHSGGC and University of Glasgow aims to personalise medicines using genetic data.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a DNA helix and medical symbols.
The PHOENIX trial, a significant study exploring the use of genetics to personalise medicines, has successfully recruited over 3,000 patients, marking a major milestone for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the University of Glasgow.
Recruitment for the PHOENIX trial, co-sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and the University of Glasgow, has concluded after enrolling 3,021 participants. This pioneering study investigates whether pharmacogenomic testing can enable clinicians to prescribe safer and more effective medicines by considering an individual’s genetic makeup.
As one of the largest studies of its kind in the UK, PHOENIX is expected to yield crucial evidence on integrating personalised prescribing into routine NHS care. Participants were recruited over an 18-month period and will be followed up until the end of this year, with main trial results anticipated in the new year.
The trial is a collaborative effort involving the University of Glasgow’s Living Laboratory, the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and industry partners MyDNA and Agena Bioscience. Participants were drawn from various specialties, including stroke, cardiology, orthopaedics, surgery, mental health, and outpatient services across NHSGGC and NHS Golden Jubilee.
“
"Reaching 3,021 randomised participants is a tremendous achievement and reflects the commitment of patients, clinicians, research nurses and support teams across multiple services and sites. PHOENIX has shown that it is possible to deliver large-scale pharmacogenomic research within routine NHS care. We now look forward to completing participant follow-up and analysing the data to establish whether using genetic information to guide prescribing can improve outcomes for patients and help shape the future of personalised medicine."
“
"Many medicines work differently from person to person because of differences in the genes involved in processing and responding to drugs. This milestone marks the culmination of an enormous team effort. Recruiting and following more than 3,000 participants across a wide range of clinical specialties has only been possible because of the commitment and enthusiasm shown by colleagues throughout NHSGGC and our partner organisations. The scale of recruitment achieved by PHOENIX will provide an important evidence base for understanding how pharmacogenomic testing can be used in everyday healthcare."
Participants provided a cheek swab for analysis of multiple genes influencing drug responses. Researchers are examining if this approach can reduce adverse drug reactions and treatment failures, supporting more tailored treatment decisions. The study utilises linked NHS prescribing, hospital, and mortality data to assess outcomes, alongside evaluating the practical and economic considerations of implementing pharmacogenomic testing within the NHS.
