EVOLVE: ex vivo laboratory study of Voncento
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ex vivo laboratory assessment of the effects of Voncento on platelet function in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy (EVOLVE)
IRAS ID
360799
Contact name
Alex Bye
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Antiplatelet medicines, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are widely used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They work by making platelets less able to form clots, but this also increases the risk of serious bleeding. One of the most dangerous types is bleeding into the brain, called an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Around 3,750 people taking antiplatelets experience an ICH each year in the UK. There is no treatment that can quickly reverse the effects of antiplatelet drugs in an emergency.
Our laboratory research suggests that platelet function in people taking antiplatelet medicines is linked to levels of a natural blood protein called von Willebrand Factor (VWF). Higher VWF levels seem to help platelets work more effectively, even when antiplatelet drugs are present. Voncento is an approved medicine that contains VWF that is normally used to treat von Willebrand disease and haemophilia A, where clotting is reduced.
This lab study will test whether adding Voncento to blood samples from people who take antiplatelet medicines can improve how their platelets function. The study does not involve giving Voncento or any treatment to participants. Volunteers will donate a small blood sample during a routine hospital visit, which will be used for lab tests at the University of Reading.We will invite adults with high blood pressure who take antiplatelet medicines, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for ICH. Participants will be recruited from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT).
This is a collaborative study between the University of Reading and RBFT. The commercial company CSL Behring, who manufacture Voncento, are providing the study drug for the laboratory experiments. They will not have access to any personal data. The results may help support future clinical trials aimed at improving emergency treatment for people who experience life‑threatening bleeding while taking antiplatelet drugs.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0182
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion