PEOPLE are being sought to take part in a study, which aims to bring relief to diabetes sufferers.

A clinical trial hopes to find an effective and non-addictive drug to relieve diabetic neuropathy, a painful complication of the condition.

A trial taking place at the Trafford General Hospital will be the first in the world to investigate the potential of an innovative drug for chronic pain conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy.

“Patients with diabetic neuropathy experience a painful tingling in their nerves, hands and feet, even with well-managed diabetes. For many, current treatments are not effective in managing pain and new alternatives will be welcomed by patients," said Dr Ajith George, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, who is delivering the trial at Trafford General Hospital.

Pharmaleads, the company leading the clinical trial, is looking to recruit patients with diabetes from Manchester to take part in the four week study.

Trafford General Hospital is still looking for more people to take part in the trial, which will investigate a new drug called PL37.

Earlier studies with patients have shown that DENKI PL37 effectively targets the actual site of pain and enhances the benefit of other pain medications – and, unlike opiates such as morphine, is non-addictive. It was very well tolerated even at high oral doses, although some subjects reported mild side-effects such as loose stools and headaches.

The study is open to patients with diagnosed diabetic neuropathy (type 1 or type 2 diabetes) who are currently prescribed a pain medication which is not effective enough.

Anyone interested in taking part should ask their GP to be referred to the investigative site at the Trafford General Hospital.

Alternatively, for more information contact Pharmaleads on 0800 612 5430.