What is Clinical Research?The physicians and research staff at TOA have many years of experience performing research from advanced devices for spine surgery to the latest biotech pharmaceuticals. We are assisting local universities as well as national networks of researchers in learning more about the causes of the different forms of arthritis. We have participated in clinical trials of most of the rheumatoid arthritis medications that have become available over the past 20 years including Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, Rituxan, Kineret, Actemra, and Cimzia as well as the major anti-inflammatory medications. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, our studies have included research on gout, pain, osteoarthritis, and various types of back and neck arthritis and disc disease. In our opinion, the availability of clinical research is a major resource for our patients allowing them access to cutting edge therapies when established medications and procedures are not satisfactory. Our participation also keeps us at the forefront of the newest advances. Please check our site often or contact us if you are interested in possible participation in a clinical trial. We are frequently starting new research projects. Please contact us at AllClinicalResearch@triangleortho.com   Patient-oriented research. Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. This area of research includes:
At TOA, we define research as the study of new medications or devices which are intended to improve the quality or the availability of a treatment for a given disease or symptom. Patients also benefit in an indirect manner by having access to some therapeutic and diagnostic services, at no charge to them. All patients who contemplate participation in clinical research will first be provided with detailed informed consent literature, which will allow them to make an independent decision about whether or not they choose to volunteer. Finally, a person's decision to participate, or not, in clinical research will never, in any way, impact the quality or nature of the care they receive from TOA. Our active clinical research program also includes clinical trials of new medications under study for rheumatic diseases. We have participated in clinical trials of most of the rheumatoid arthritis medications that have become available over the past 20 years including Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, Rituxan, Kineret, Actemra, and Cimzia as well as the major anti-inflammatory medications. We have also collaborated with researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina's Thurston Arthritis Research Center. In our opinion, the availability of clinical trials is a major resource for our patients allowing them access to cutting edge therapies when established medications are not satisfactory. Our participation also keeps us at the forefront of the newest advances in rheumatology. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, please contact us at 919-281-1968 or at tgulledge@triangleortho.com.   
Participating in a TrialIf you choose to participate in a clinical trial, your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits, and whether or not participation is recommendable. If you do decide to participate, you must sign an informed consent before ANY study related treatments or evaluations can occur. You can decide to stop your participation in a trial at any time. You can contact an independent agency known as an Investigational Review Board (IRB) if you have any questions about your rights as a subject in a clinical trial. If you see a study we are conducting and you would like to learn more about it, please contact the CCRC associated with that study for more information. Current trials are listed to the right. |
Clinical Research ProjectsCurrently Enrolling Clinical Trials If you would like to know more about any of current research programs please contact our clinical research department at 919-281-1698 or by email at AllClinicalResearch@triangleortho.com. Early rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison of methotrexate vs. methotrexate and an anti-TNF biologic Rheumatoid Arthritis on methotrexate: Addition of a new oral medication Rheumatoid Arthritis on methotrexate: Comparison of two FDA-approved biologic medications Rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate, failed an anti-TNF medication: Addition of a new biologic medication Rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate, failed an anti-TNF medication: Addition of a new biologic medication (still eligible if failed other types of biologic medications) Psoriatic arthritis on methotrexate: Addition of a new biologic medication Osteoarthritis of the knee: a new medication injected into the knee Cervical spodylolisthesis: a new device for neck surgery A new medication to reduce opioid-induced constipation Please contact us if you would like more information about these or future clinical trials. Meet Our StaffRobert A. Harrell, III, M.D
Director of Clinical Research Jan Hallenborg, L.P.N. Crystal Hill, CCRC Shandelle Parker Chris Zito |
