Antiplatelet Secondary Prevention International Randomised study after INtracerebral haemorrhaGe (ASPIRING)

University of Edinburgh

Open to: Adults in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) who have had a stroke due to bleeding in the brain and are not currently taking blood-thinning medication.
Deadline: September 2029.
Apply: You can register your interest through your hospital team or via the ASPIRING study website. You should be able to watch the ASPIRING video and read the ASPIRING fast facts on the website.
Contact: If you have any questions, please contact the ASPIRING team.

Research participation requests are sent to the Stroke Association from external research institutions (e.g. universities and hospitals).

We conduct checks on these before promoting but are not involved in their running. This means we cannot comment on trials and have no affiliation with them.

What is the opportunity about?

The ASPIRING study aims to improve care after a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, also known as a brain haemorrhage.

People who survive this type of stroke are at risk of future strokes and heart attacks. Researchers want to find out whether starting aspirin or clopidogrel can safely reduce this risk alongside usual care.

What will it involve?

If you take part, you will receive your usual medical care whether or not you join the study.

Participants are randomly allocated to either start daily aspirin or clopidogrel, or not start antiplatelet medication. Your doctors will know which group you are in, and your health will be followed using routine NHS records for up to five years.

Who can take part?

You may be able to take part if you are an adult who has had a stroke due to bleeding in the brain and are not currently taking medicines that thin the blood.

A member of the research team will check whether the study is suitable for you and answer any questions.

What will you get from taking part?

Taking part could help doctors understand the best way to prevent future strokes and heart attacks after a brain haemorrhage.

Your involvement could improve care for future patients in a similar situation.

How can I take part?

If you are interested in taking part, you can do either of the following.

• Speak to the hospital team looking after you.
• Visit the study website to find out more and register your interest.

You will be given clear information and time to decide what is right for you.

Information on taking part in research

Research participation helps research teams to test new ideas and approaches by sharing information or trying new approaches in clinical trials.

Taking part in clinical trials can support research to:

• Stop strokes from happening.
• Treat strokes.
• Support stroke survivors and their families to rebuild their lives.

By taking part in research, you can help us to learn more about stroke and make a difference to the lives of future stroke survivors.

Find out how our research has made a difference to people affected by stroke.

We have produced the Clinical Trials and Stroke booklet to explain more about clinical trials and answer questions you might have about taking part. The booklet was produced with the NIHR Clinical Research Network.

Find out more about taking part in research.