RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

PRE-EMPTIVE PHARMACOGENOMICS IN ACUTE CARE SETTINGS WITH HEALTH ECONOMIC EVALUATIONS (PHOENIX TRIAL)

The PHOENIX study is investigating how our genes influence the way our bodies react to medicines. This is really important because the same medicine can work differently for different people – some might benefit, others might not feel anything, and some could even have side effects. Our genes, which are like instructions in our body, can explain some of these differences. This study will take a simple cheek swab from hospital patients who are starting a new medicine. Around half will get their test results straight away, which will help their doctor decide if they need a different dose or a different medicine altogether. The other half will be tested later. The aim is to see if using gene information can help patients get better results from their medicines and save the NHS money.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

09 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Pharmacogenomic Drug Interaction

What is this study about?

Imagine two people taking the exact same medicine for the same problem. One person feels much better, but the other person doesn't feel any change, or even feels worse because of side effects. This happens quite a lot, and it can be frustrating for both patients and doctors. A big reason for these differences is our genes.

Our genes are like unique instruction manuals inside each of us. They tell our bodies how to build and work, including how to handle medicines. This study, called PHOENIX, is all about understanding these gene instructions to make medicine more personal. It's looking into how checking a person's genes can help doctors choose the very best medicine and dose for them, right from the start. This could mean fewer side effects and medicines that work better.

To do this, the study will involve patients who are admitted to hospital or visit certain clinics and are about to start a new medicine. Participants will have a simple cheek swab taken. This swab contains cells that have your gene information. For some people, this information will be quickly analysed and shared with their doctor, helping them make decisions about the new medicine. For others, the information will be looked at later. By comparing these groups, the researchers hope to show that using gene information can lead to better health outcomes and potentially save costs for the NHS.

Key takeaways

The PHOENIX study explores how genes influence medicine effectiveness.
It aims to personalise medicine choices to improve patient outcomes.
Participation involves a simple and quick cheek swab for genetic testing.
Some participants' doctors will use genetic results to guide early treatment decisions.
The study monitors health, side effects, and hospital visits for at least 12 weeks.
It aims to potentially reduce side effects and save money for the NHS.

Who may be eligible?

The PHOENIX study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are currently staying in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, or attending certain specialist outpatient clinics there. You would need to be about to start a new medicine that the study is interested in, which is a medicine where genes are known to affect how it works. You should also live in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

It's important that you are able to give your clear agreement to take part in the study, either yourself or with help from a legal representative like a family member, and that you can provide a simple cheek swab (a cotton bud rubbed inside your mouth).

You wouldn't be able to join if you are already taking part in another medical study where a similar medicine is being tested, or if there are difficulties communicating in English without translation support. The researchers want to make sure the study can be followed properly for at least 12 weeks after you start.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently an inpatient or attending a specialist outpatient clinic at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow?
Are you about to start a new medicine that the study is interested in?
Do you live in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area?
Can you provide a cheek swab (by rubbing a cotton bud inside your mouth)?
Are you willing and able to be followed up for at least 12 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the PHOENIX study, you will first need to read and understand the study information and then give your written permission (consent). You will then be asked to give a simple cheek swab – this is done by gently rubbing a cotton bud inside your mouth to collect some cells.

The study will then be split into two groups. In one group, the genetic information from your cheek swab will be looked at right away, and your doctor will use these results to help them decide the best way to prescribe your new medicine. In the other group, the genetic information will be looked at later, after three months. Your care will continue as normal in both groups, but the study will keep track of how you are doing for at least 12 weeks. This includes checking on your quality of life, if you need to come back to the hospital, any changes to your medication, and whether you experience any side effects. There are no extra visits directly for the study as it will mostly involve using information from your routine hospital care, with a follow-up over 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially benefit you by helping your doctor choose a medicine and dose that is more likely to work well for you and cause fewer side effects, based on your unique genetic makeup. This personalised approach might lead to feeling better faster or avoiding problems. The main risk involved is minimal – providing a cheek swab is generally very safe and painless. As with any study, there's always the chance that the results might not directly change your treatment, but the information gained will help future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your routine medical care.

Locations (5)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Verified postcode
Clydebank, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Leverndale Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Active not recruiting

Common questions

What is pharmacogenomics?

It's the study of how your genes affect the way your body responds to medicines. It helps doctors pick the best medicine and dose for you.

What is a cheek swab?

It's a simple, painless way to collect a small sample of cells from inside your mouth using a cotton bud. Your genes are in these cells.

Will my doctor get my results right away?

About half of the participants will have their results looked at immediately to help their doctor make decisions. For the other half, the results will be analysed later.

Will taking part affect my usual medical care?

No, your regular medical care will continue as normal. Taking part in the study will not change how you receive treatment.

How long will I be followed in the study?

The study will track your health and medicine use for at least 12 weeks after you start your new medicine.

How to find out more

Elaine O'Neill

elaine.oneill3@nhs.scot 0141 451 6869 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.