A cheap and common gout medicine could offer a major breakthrough in preventing life-threatening cardiac events for millions of people with existing heart conditions, according to a significant new analysis.
Major Review Reveals Significant Benefits
A comprehensive Cochrane review, which analysed data from 12 separate trials involving 22,983 participants, has found that a low dose of the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine can substantially cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The participants all had a history of cardiovascular disease, including previous heart attacks or strokes.
Within the study, 11,524 individuals were given a low dose of colchicine—typically 0.5mg taken once or twice daily. Researchers discovered that those who took the medication for a minimum of six months were significantly less likely to suffer a subsequent heart attack or stroke compared to those who did not.
Dr Ramin Ebrahimi, the co-lead author from the University Medicine Greifswald in Germany, emphasised the importance of the findings. "Reductions like this can make a real difference for patients who live with ongoing, lifelong cardiovascular risk," he stated.
Quantifying the Impact and Considering the Side Effects
The research team was able to put a precise number on the drug's protective effect. The review suggests that for every 1,000 people treated with colchicine, there were nine fewer heart attacks and eight fewer strokes.
However, the treatment is not without its drawbacks. The study confirmed that patients taking colchicine were more likely to experience side effects, primarily mild stomach and digestive system issues. Despite this, the significant reduction in major cardiovascular events presents a compelling case for its use.
Repurposing an Ancient, Low-Cost Remedy
One of the most promising aspects of this discovery is the drug's profile. Colchicine is an ancient, inexpensive medication that has been a first-line treatment for gout on the NHS for years. It works by reducing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints, which also alleviates pain.
Lars Hemkens, the senior author from the University of Bern in Switzerland, highlighted the power of academic research in this context. "These results come from publicly funded trials repurposing a very old, low-cost drug for an entirely new use," he said. "It shows the power of academic research to reveal treatment opportunities that traditional drug development often overlooks."
This finding opens a new, accessible avenue for preventing cardiovascular events, potentially changing the standard of care for patients across the UK and beyond using a therapy that is already widely available and understood.
