Update May 2023: this research has now moved to the next stage. Read the latest update here.

Researchers at the Universities of Birmingham, Warwick and Kent are at the very beginning of a new project which hopes to develop a prototype sensor that can be worn on the skin to detect the levels of the hormone cortisol.

The long-term goal is that this technology can be tested and developed further to help people who have to take medication to regulate their cortisol levels, like ourselves. Consequently making it much easier to know how much replacement steroid we need throughout the day.

The team are very keen to chat with people who have Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency early on in their research project, to gather our thoughts, ideas and questions about the project – so that pitfalls can be avoided and so that the team understand what people would need most from the technology and their key concerns.

So this is where you come in! Please consider taking part in this pilot project, where through a Zoom consultation event you can help provide lived experience to the research team.

The event will be joined by endocrinologists from Birmingham and Bristol, as well as by people with Cushing’s disease (the other side of the coin in cortisol imbalances). This important event is led by Eder Zavala and Caroline Gillett, who are part of the Centre for Systems Modelling & Quantitative Biomedicine at the University of Birmingham.

Who can take part:

• People who are under a cortisol replacement drug regime (e.g. primary Addison’s disease and secondary adrenal insufficiency)
• Are 18 years old or older
• The study is open internationally, however please be aware the Zoom will take place on a London, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone.

What is involved:

• Take part in an online Zoom discussion lasting approximately 2 hours (with a comfort break in between).
• You will be kept up to date with the development of the study as further funding applications are made.
• The study is entirely voluntary and participants are free to withdraw at any time.

How to take part:

• Please contact Caroline Gillett (Community & Public Engagement Manager at SMQB)
• Please e-mail: [email protected] to register your interest and the team will get in touch.

If you have any questions about this study, please contact Caroline on: [email protected]

Thank you Dr Eder Zavala and the teams at Universities of Birmingham, Warwick and Kent for researching further into this rare area of endocrine research for the benefit of those living with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency.

The ADSHG receives regular approaches from researchers who are seeking our assistance with recruiting participants for their scientific projects. These approaches range from requests to publicise online questionnaires, to requests to assist with long-term clinical trials. Click here to more read more about our research application process

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