Low-dose colchicine could cut the risk of cardiovascular death or further events by almost one third in patients with chronic coronary disease, a landmark Australian-led study shows.

The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology virtual congress on Tuesday, could lead to the gout medication being incorporated into clinical guidelines, the researchers say.

“This is a ground-breaking, practice-changing result because colchicine is inexpensive and widely available,” said study coauthor Dr Mark Nidorf, a cardiologist at GenesisCare in Perth.

“We found it to be a profoundly powerful drug at low dose, with no danger signals associated with long-term use and excellent long-term tolerance.”