The trial is looking at a new drug, LEO 138559, for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema.

Eczema is a chronic disease that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin.

The NHS trust said researchers did not know what caused eczema but they did know that genes, the immune system and the environment played a role in the disease.

“We are really proud to have recruited the first patient in the UK to this exciting phase II commercial clinical trial,” Dr Halpern said.

“Our success in previous clinical trials has led to major pharmaceutical companies actively seeking to work with us and delivering huge benefits to our local population.”