Participants needed for studies
By Dana Benson
The importance of clinical trials cannot be overstated. Trials are conducted in all areas of medicine with an eye toward finding better ways to diagnose and treat diseases and to understand how the body works.
There are many trials currently under way at Baylor College of Medicine. Three current studies include one on the HIN1 vaccine for pregnant women, a study on the effectiveness of the Norwalk vaccine and a metabolic study of cells that produce insulin the pancreas. More information on these studies follows. For a full list of clinical trials at BCM, visit http://www.bcm.edu/clinicalstudies/.
Pregnant Women Needed for H1N1 Vaccine Study
The BCM Vaccine Research center is enrolling additional pregnant women to participate in a series of studies that will help determine the best dose of several experimental vaccines designed to protect against the 2009 H1N1 (swine) influenza.
Those interested can contact the BCM Flu Center at Momfluvax@bcm.edu or call 713-798-4912.
Who Can Participate?
- Pregnant women 18 to 39 years of age, 14 to 34 weeks of gestation
- No prior confirmed 'swine flu' infection
- No prior vaccination against influenza A/H1N1 ('swine flu')
Study Requirements
- Receive 2 injections of an experimental influenza vaccine
- Provide 4 blood samples
- Complete a diary of symptoms for 1 week after each vaccination
- Be available for 4 study visits and 7 phone calls
Subjects will be compensated for time and travel.
Diabetic and overweight, non-diabetic volunteers needed for study
Baylor College of Medicine is recruiting people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as well as overweight non-diabetic persons for a metabolic study to better understand the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.
Participants must be between 18 and 65 years of age. Participants with type 2 diabetes must have been diagnosed within the last 6 months and must be willing to be treated with insulin for the duration of the study.
Volunteers will receive an initial consultation and study-related examinations at no cost and will be compensated for their time.
For more information about this study, call 713-798-8654.
Volunteers needed for study on effectiveness of Norwalk vaccine
Baylor College of Medicine is recruiting volunteers for a study evaluating the effectiveness of a vaccine against the Norwalk Virus, a cause of short-term vomiting and diarrhea commonly referred to as intestinal flu or cruise ship virus.
"Because this virus spreads so quickly through the community, a vaccine would be extremely beneficial," said Antone Opekun, assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at BCM.
Researchers are recruiting healthy adults between 18 and 40 years of age. Participants will receive two doses of the vaccine and must be hospitalized for observation for four days. Participants must also return for outpatient visits over a three month period, and will be compensated for their time.
For more information about the study, call 713-798-7542 or e-mail norwalk@bcm.edu.
