VESPER Trial Opens to Recruitment Across the UK

The trial aims to assess new treatment strategies for women suffering from recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections (rUTIs) that have not responded to first-line therapies.

The VESPER Trial is now actively recruiting participants, with a target of enrolling 412 women aged 16 and over who experience recurrent, uncomplicated UTIs and have failed standard treatment options. The primary objective is to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two intravesical interventions (administered directly into the bladder) —gentamicin and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) replacement therapy—compared to a control group receiving daily low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis, a current second-line standard of care.

Recruitment will continue until 30th September 2026, with 20 sites across the UK participating in the study.

Professor Chris Harding, Chief Investigator for the VESPER Trial, said:

"This study offers a vital opportunity to explore more effective and sustainable treatments for a condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for thousands of women. We are excited to open recruitment and work with sites across the UK to deliver this important research."

For more information about the VESPER Trial and how to participate, please contact VESPER@cardiff.ac.uk.

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