For Immediate Release LARGEST ASPIRIN EFFECTS STUDY ARRIVES IN QUEENSLAND Queensland, 25 August 2013 - The largest ever

disease prevention trial to be undertaken in Australia questioning the benefits of aspirin for elderly is now recruiting participants in Queensland. The ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly, also known as the ASPREE study, will aid in determining whether a daily low-dosage of aspirin will help prevent the onset of common age-related disease such as heart attacks, stroke, dementia and certain cancers. Principal investigator of the ASPREE trial in Australia, Professor John McNeil, states that it is unusual to have a public good study of this size in a single country. The fact that ASPREE is government funded is an indication of the importance of the question it is looking at. The results are going to apply to every GP all over the world in their everyday work, he said. Participants are randomly assigned to take either a low-dose aspirin tablet (100mg) or a placebo tablet for a period of five years and will be closely monitored by GPs and the research team to determine the effects of aspirin. Led by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne and the Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research in the USA, the study aims to recruit 16,000 in Australia and 3,000 in the USA. With more than 8,000 Australians already enrolled from ACT, VIC and NSW; the ASPREE study is moving to Queensland and is actively seeking participants to join and be a part of important research for the benefit of all. Aspirin, a drug developed 115 years ago, is widely known and used as a pain reliever. However, new knowledge of aspirin continues to surface. Earlier studies have shown that low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Questions arising its effect on hearing and vision, including its preventive abilities against the risk and spread of certain cancers have surfaced, hence it is extremely timely for the ASPREE trial to explore the usage of aspirin in healthy elderly. As Australias elderly population increases, results from the ASPREE study will be highly relevant for the health and wellbeing of our communities. Aspirin may aid in prolonging the healthy lifespan for older Australians and it is crucial to find out now. Elderly aged 70 and over without history of a heart attack or stroke that are interested in being a part of this important research can speak to their GP about the ASPREE study. Alternatively, they can call 1800 728 745 or visit www.aspree.org #####
Monash University: Monash University was founded in 1958 and is Australias most internationalised university. The Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine was founded on 1 April 2008, with expertise in large epidemiological studies, multicentre clinical trials, clinical registries, evidence synthesis

and health social science. The School prides itself on a commitment to education, innovation, leadership and research.

For media enquires, contact: Rachel Tan Hill + Knowlton Strategies Tel: + 61 2 9268 0242 Email: rachel.tan@hkstrategies.com

Pitch Email Email Title: Largest Clinical Study in Australia comes to Queensland Dear Christina, I hope this email finds you well. The potential benefits of taking aspirin in healthy elderly are currently unknown and the results of the ASPREE study will answer these questions on a groundbreaking level. As the elderly population continues to grow in Australia, it is important that this research is carried out for the public good of all in the future. An article educating our elderly population of this study will be beneficial not just for them, but also for generations to follow. Aspirin is most commonly known as a pain reliever. Discovered in the bark of the willow tree 115 years ago, it is now the worlds most widely used drug by far. However, new knowledge about aspirin needs further development. It has been speculated that taking a daily low-dosage aspirin can prevent the onset of various age-related diseases such as heart attacks and stroke, as well as certain cancers. This is what the ASPREE study aspires to investigate. The largest study of its kind to ever take place in Australia; the ASPREE trial is now moving into Queensland and is seeking participants to be a part of this pioneering research. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me for more details. Kind regards, Rachel Tan Hill + Knowlton Strategies Tel: + 61 2 9268 0242