Brazil researchers seek 8,500 volunteers for stroke prevention polypill trial

Researchers in Brazil are recruiting 8,500 volunteers for clinical trials of the country’s first domestic polypill designed to prevent strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to monitor participants over a period of three to four years.

The polypill combines 10 mg of rosuvastatin for cholesterol management with two blood pressure medications, valsartan (80 mg) and amlodipine (5 mg), into a single administration. This follows a successful first phase of human testing involving 370 people in Porto Alegre between 2020 and 2023.

Led by neurologist Sheila Martins at Hospital Moinhos de Vento, the research is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health through the Proadi-SUS program. The study targets individuals aged 50 to 75 who have no prior history of stroke or myocardial infarction. Researchers hope the findings will provide robust evidence to guide future public health prevention policies for low and medium-risk populations.