CLINICAL TRIALS: Call for Volunteers

Asthma

The Department of Medicine at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden is currently recruiting volunteers to participate in an asthma study. Participants must be non-smokers between the ages of 15 and 65 with a history of asthma. The study offers free testing, examinations and generous compensation for participants’ time and travel.

The principal investigator is Robin Gross, MD. For more information contact either Robin Gross, MD, at 856-342-2407, or Patricia Niblack, MLT, at 856-968-7269.

New Cardiovascular Study

Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden is in need of participants for a five-year cardiovascular program. It is being conducted in over 110 sites in the United States and 40 countries worldwide. The purpose of the study is to determine if two currently marketed medications are effective in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure or cardiovascular death. To be eligible to participate, volunteers must be age 55 or older and have had a heart attack or stroke, and/or have been told by their physicians that they have poor circulation in their arms or legs or high risk diabetes. Those who participate will receive study medication, study visits and lab work at no cost.

The principal investigator is Arnaud Bastien, MD. For more information about the program, call research coordinator Patricia Niblack, MLT, at 856-968-7269.

Type II Diabetes

Volunteers diagnosed with Type II diabetes are needed to participate in a National Institutes of Health research study at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden. The purpose of the study is to seek ways to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious blood vessel problems. To be eligible, volunteers must have Type II diabetes and meet one of the following criteria:

• age 55 or older

• age 40 or older and have had a heart attack, stroke or serious blood vessel problems.

Participants will receive blood sugar and blood pressure or cholesterol medications, blood sugar testing supplies, regular medical follow-up, and counseling and education for healthy lifestyle choices at no cost.

Arnaud Bastien, MD, is the principal investigator. For more information call Cooper Health System Clinical Research Team at 856-616-8317.

A New Contraceptive Gel Study

The Women’s Health Institute in New Brunswick is conducting a seven-month research project to evaluate a new contraceptive gel with diaphragm. Women in good health between the ages of 18 and 40 are being sought to participate. Participants will receive study-related exams, contraception, and laboratory tests at no cost. Monetary compensation up to $200 will be provided to those who complete the study.

Charletta Ayers, MD, MPH, Women’s Health Institute at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is the principal investigator. For more information call 732-235-7292, Monday thru Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Postmenopausal Study

UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick is seeking women to participate in a postmenopausal study. To qualify, volunteers must be in good health, between the ages of 45 and 65, and not have had a hysterectomy. Participants will receive physical and gynecological exams, Pap smear, mammogram, routine blood tests, endometrial biopsy and ultrasound, and one of two types of hormone therapy will be provided at no cost. Free parking and reimbursement of $160 upon completion of the study.

Gloria Bachmann, MD, Women’s Health Institute, is the principal investigator. For more information about the study, call 732-235-7799 or 732-235-7353, Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Women’s Health Study

Women are needed to participate in a six-month research study at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. Volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 80 with vaginal itching, burning and tenderness, and pain during intercourse. A pelvic examination, Pap smear, blood studies, and urine examination will be performed during the study.

Gloria Bachmann, MD, Women’s Health Institute, is the principal investigator. For more information call Joan Hammond, RN-C, APN, at 732-235-7799.

Health Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide

UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway is seeking volunteers to participate in a research study that will investigate the health effects of hydrogen sulfide. To be eligible, volunteers must be healthy non-smokers between the ages of 20 and 40. They will be required to complete four consecutive weekly sessions of three hours and one follow-up session of one hour conducted two weeks later. A screening medical exam, measurement of responses to typical environmental levels of hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), questionnaires, tests of attention/concentration, and nasal and breath samples will be collected. All sessions will take place in the mornings on the Busch Campus at the Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute on Frelinghuysen Road in Piscataway. Upon completion of the study, participants will receive up to $500.

Nancy Fiedler, PhD, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, is the principal investigator of the study. For more information contact Dr. Fiedler at 732-445-0123 ext. 625.

Plaque Psoriasis

A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, dose-finding, bilateral plaque comparison study is being conducted at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. The purpose is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three concentrations of QRX-101 ointment in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. The study length is approximately 12 weeks. Volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 75 with mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis. Those who qualify will receive monetary compensation for their participation.

The principal investigator is Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, director of the Clinical Research Center. For additional information or to see if you qualify, call Nancy Olesinski at 732-418-8484.

Psoriatic Arthritis

The Clinical Research Center at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick is looking for volunteers to participate in a psoriatic arthritis study. The length of the study is approximately seven months. To be eligible, volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 80 and diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Participants will receive monetary compensation upon completion.

The principal investigator is Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, director of the Clinical Research Center. For further details contact Nancy Olesinski at 732-418-8484.

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)

A study of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) is being conducted at the Clinical Research Center at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. The duration of the study is approximately five to six weeks. Volunteers ages 12 and over who have been diagnosed with chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) are eligible to participate. Participants will receive monetary compensation upon completion of the study.

The principal investigator is Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, director of the Clinical Research Center. For additional information contact Nancy Olesinski at 732-418-8484.

Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Females are needed to participate in a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an oral contraception preparation for six treatment cycles in women with moderate acne vulgaris. The duration of the study is approximately six months. To qualify, volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 45 with moderate acne vulgaris. Participants will receive monetary compensation upon completion of the study.

The principal investigator is Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, director of the Clinical Research Center. For additional information contact Nancy Olesinski at 732-418-8484.

Hormone Study

Women are being sought to participate in a hormone study at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Women’s Health. The purpose of the study is to understand the hormonal changes that occur as women approach menopause. Hormone levels in the blood will be measured at different times of the menstrual cycle. To qualify, volunteers must be between the ages of 20 and 35 (control group), or 46 to 51 years old. In addition, they must be healthy non-smokers, not pregnant or overweight, not using any hormones, and have regular menstrual cycles. Participants will receive a payment of $75 to $125 per menstrual cycle.

Susanna Park, MD, is the principal investigator. For more information call Dr. Park at 973-972-5136.

Women’s Fertility Study

The National Institutes of Health, in conjunction with UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, and University Reproductive Associates, PC, are conducting a study of new treatments for infertility in women with irregular menstrual cycles. Women with eight or fewer menstrual cycles per year are often suffering from anovulation (not ovulating or releasing an egg each month) due to a hormonal imbalance termed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO Syndrome). The study will investigate which medicine or combination of medicines is the most effective and safe way to restore ovulation and fertility in these women. Those who meet the criteria for eligibility will receive medication at no cost and treatment for up to 30 weeks. In addition, they will be compensated for their time and travel.

The principal investigator for the study is Peter McGovern, MD. For more information, call Amy Solnica, RN, at 973-972-3633, 973-972-2235 or 201-288-6330.