Case study: Man helped by liver trial encourages others to volunteer

An ex-builder who is living with liver cirrhosis has spoken about how a by-product of taking part in the BOPPP trial has transformed his outlook on life.

Lee Milan, 42, from Sevenoaks in Kent, is taking part in the BOPPP trial at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The BOPPP trial involves randomisation, so volunteers are randomly selected to take either carvedilol or placebo tablets, which are made to resemble carvedilol tablets. However, they do not contain any active drug.

He takes a tablet in the morning and evening, has regular blood tests and attends follow-up appointments at King’s College Hospital as part of his involvement in the trial.

The 42-year-old is urging others to take part in research to transform healthcare for future generations. He said:

“I’m taking each day as it comes, but I’m feeling in a good place mentally and trying to stay as healthy as possible.

“I worked in the building trade for over 25 years and on the project at Darent Valley Hospital in Kent when it was built in 2000. The team there referred me to King’s College Hospital for treatment, and I got involved in the BOPPP trial in August 2022. I will be on the trial until August 2025. The care I received initially from Darent Valley Hospital and the research team at King’s College Hospital has been outstanding. The research team has transformed my life and given me a positive outlook on living with a lifelong condition.

“The cirrhosis has caused me to lose a lot of my strength. I get tired quickly, too and struggle to sleep easily. However, I am trying to keep as active as possible. I also have plenty of support, and I know I can speak to my family or the BOPPP trial team at King’s College Hospital if I need help.

“This was my first time taking part in a research trial. I urge others to take part in research as you can help yourself, help others and improve things for future generations. You receive first-class care, everything is explained to you, and the BOPPP trial team has given me the peace of mind to live my life to the fullest.”

To learn more about the BOPPP trial and how you can get involved, visit https://www.boppp-trial.org/