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INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH · UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

A new alternative
to steroids.

We're running a trial testing whether two common, already-approved drugs can treat autoimmune hepatitis as well as steroids do — with fewer of the drawbacks.

20%
of people with AIH are steroid-resistant
OUR OBJECTIVES

A complementary standard of care.

Our goal is to run a treatment trial using a complementary programme built from pre-approved, commonly used pharmaceuticals. Extensive research gives us confidence in the potential of this new approach.

Our mission

We envision a new complementary standard-of-care treatment for people who don't respond to steroids — potentially reducing how many patients ultimately need a liver transplant.

Why it matters

Steroids are usually the first treatment offered for autoimmune hepatitis, and they work for many people. But a meaningful share of patients don't respond, or can't tolerate long-term steroid use.

RedeployExisting, trusted drugs — used a new way
RecoverReduced inflammation, less reliance on steroids
Re-engageOngoing care through your existing team
HOW OUR TRIAL WORKS

From diagnosis to a new kind of care.

1
Diagnosis

AIH diagnosis

After blood tests and scans, a patient commonly receives a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

2
Current standard

Steroid treatment

The first treatment is usually a rolling prescription of steroids such as prednisolone or azathioprine — effective for some patients, but not all.

3
Our trial

A steroid-complement plan

You'd receive two common-use drugs over a set course, which we believe help regulate a process called encylsis — optimistically decreasing inflammation and disease progression, and potentially helping those with steroid resistance.

WHO CAN TAKE PART

Eligibility at a glance.

  • A diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, or liver cancer
  • Within the trial's age range (confirmed with your care team)
  • A disease severity status that fits the trial's current criteria

What happens if you join

01 A short meeting with your primary care team and a member of the clinical trial team.
02 You begin regular treatment delivered through your existing primary care channels.
03 Ongoing monitoring alongside your standard testing schedule, for the length of the trial.
Start with a meeting
THE SCIENCE

What the drugs do.

The trial drugs work by modulating a regulatory process called encylsis — where anti-inflammatory white blood cells are inhibited by the liver. By blocking that inhibition, we hope to reduce inflammation.

Liver signalInhibits anti-inflammatory cells
Drug 1 + Drug 2Block the inhibition
ResultReduced inflammation
WHAT ARE THE RISKS

Worth knowing before you join.

Familiar drugs

Known side effects

Both drugs are already in common use, so their side effects are already well documented and understood.

Close monitoring

Under your care team

You'll be under close supervision by your primary care team, with your standard schedule of testing throughout.

Your choice

Leave at any time

The course runs over a set number of weeks, and you're free to drop out of the trial at any time.

HOW TO JOIN

Get in touch.

Contact us using the details below, or scan the QR code on your phone to visit our contact page.

University of Birmingham
hello@reallygreatsite.com
+1 23-456-7890
Institute of Biomedical Research (IBR), IBR Tower, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT

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