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Aspree video

Description: Monash University Logo

Caption: Samantha Blair reporting

Description: Professor John McNeil Chair, Monash University Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine speaks to a press conference to launch the largest ever clinical trial in Australia.

Narration: It is to be the largest ever clinical trial in Australia.

Researchers at Monash University will lead the international study to test whether taking aspirin contributes to good health in the elderly.

Caption: Professor John McNeil
Chair, Monash University Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

Professor John McNeil: "Aspirin is widely used by people who have previously had a stroke or heart attack because it reduces the likelihood of a second episode. Because of its proven effectiveness in reducing second events doctors have prescribed aspirin to prevent heart attack and strokes in otherwise healthy people. However, in the last couple of years, serious doubts have been raised about the evidence supporting this practice and as a result editorials of major medical journals have called for this question to be settled."

"The trial ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly also known as ASPREE has received $50 million dollars in US funding from the National Institutes of Health, the peak health funding body in the United States The support from the United States follows earlier funding of $3 and a half million dollars from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia."

Caption: Associate Professor Chris Reid
Associate Director, Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics

Description: Professor Chris Reid Associate Director, Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics speaks to the press conference to launch the largest ever clinical trial in Australia.

Associate Professor Chris Reid: "Studies of this size are typically confined to those (organisations) established for a commercial interest. Since aspirin is off patent funding must rely on government and we commend the US NIH and the Australian NHMRC for taking up the challenge."

Narration: 12 and half thousand patients will be recruited via General Practitioners from around Australia – all of the participants will be aged over 70. Half of the participants will take daily low-dose aspirin and the other half will take a placebo tablet over a period of five years.

Description: Professor John McNeil Chair, Monash University Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine speaks to a press conference to launch the largest ever clinical trial in Australia.

Caption: Professor John McNeil Chair, Monash University Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

Professor John McNeil Chair: "Clinical trials such as ASPREE are major undertakings and typically only funded by industry. The fact that the US Government has made such a large investment is testament to the importance of the question and their confidence in Australian research."

Narration: For more information about the ASPREE trial visit the website or phone 1800 199 108.

[End of video]