The NIHR Clinical Research Facility: King’s has successfully recruited the first patient globally in a phase 3 study exploring treatments for a rare type of blood cancer.
Sponsored by Takeda and taking place in 29 countries across the globe , the ‘TAK-226-3001’ study is comparing the safety and effectiveness of a novel treatment (erlitercept) with the standard treatment (erythropoietin) to treat anaemia in adults with ‘lower risk’ Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
MDS is a pre-leukaemia disorder, with around 4 cases per 100,000 people in the UK, affecting predominantly older adults. Patients have increased risk of progression to leukaemia and suffer with anaemia, which affects their quality of life.
The first patient was recruited at King’s College Hospital by the NIHR CRF: King’s with support from the King’s Health Partners Clinical Trials Office (KHP-CTO) ahead of the national targets set by the government. Introduced in April 2026, these new targets help speed up the set-up of clinical trials in the UK meaning patients have access to potential life-changing treatments quicker than before.
Elka Giemza CRF Manager“The King’s CRF is thrilled to have recruited the very first participant to an important study helping to treat this rare disease.
“A special thank you to our research nurse, Tamera Osei-Mintah, and the entire CRF team for their hard work and relentless determination. Their ability to set up and recruit to this study so rapidly is a fantastic achievement.”
Dr Austin Kulasekararaj, Consultant Haematologist at King’s College Hospital / Chief Investigator“King’s College Hospital is a National Reference Centre for MDS, and patients are referred to us for cutting-edge clinical trials to improve their outcomes and quality of life.
“The only approved treatment in the UK for ‘lower risk’ MDS is supportive treatment with erythropoietin (natural hormone) injections and if this fails, patients start needing blood transfusions. This trial could provide a fantastic opportunity for our patients to benefit from this therapy.”