CLINICAL trials of a new heart drug at the Golden Jubilee Hospital have been stopped as a result of Brexit.

Trials were due to take place on patients of a drug called Dutopgliptin, intended to be used in conjunction with other medicines to help repair damaged heart tissue.

California-based drug research company, Recardio, pulled the plug on the UK trials citing uncertainty due to the UK’s exit from the EU and what it called “completely unresolved” issues around the European medicines agency, which it says represent “a significant risk” to its business.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson asked the First Minister to demand action from the UK Government because of the national, and potentially global, significance of the work undertaken at the hospital.

After raising the issue at the Scottish Parliament last week, Mr Paterson told the Post: “Heart disease is a major problem in Clydebank and the west of Scotland.

“Thousands of local people as well as those from further afield have already benefitted from the research carried out at the Golden Jubilee.

“This world –leading heart hospital has saved the lives of thousands of my constituents, but this drug has the potential to do even more.

“This ground-breaking treatment may be able to help the heart repair itself and may have the capacity to be life-changing for many in our constituency and the world over.

“We need the Tories to stop their bickering and commit to the single market and membership of the customs union, that’s the only feasible option to limit the damage of this Tory madness and safeguard our healthcare.

“Scotland did not vote for Brexit and it’s now starting to have a disastrous effect on our people.”

Christine McGuinness, communications manager at the Golden Jubilee Foundation, said: “On September 17, Recardio advised our team at the Golden Jubilee Research Institute via email that one of their research studies has been put on hold in the UK.

“According to the company, uncertainty due to EU withdrawal, particularly drug and data release to the EMA are completely unresolved and represent a significant risk. However, this may change when the regulatory situation has clarity.

“Like other NHS Boards, we are working closely with the Scottish Government to prepare for Britain’s exit from the European Union in order to continue to provide a high-quality service for our patients and staff. No patients or staff are affected by the decision by Recardio to put this study on hold.”

“Whilst we are disappointed if any clinical trial does not go ahead, we will continue to treat our patients in a safe, effective and person-centred way as well as delivering a wide variety of innovative clinical studies across our specialities to benefit patients across Scotland and beyond.”