Clinical Research

Our Clinical Research Center is under the direction of Dr. Rex Force. The center is actively engaged in cutting-edge clinical research and has taken part in several landmark National Institute of Health trials that have significantly influenced how doctors treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Ongoing research studies will evaluate how best to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Following are some of our current clinical trials, articles published on our research, and information on our current research staff:

Clinical Trials

APOLLO

The APOLLO trial is an international study looking at aliskiren (SPP100) blood pressure lowering with one additional therapy, a diuretic [HCTZ-hydrochlorothiazide (ES1879) 25mg] or a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine 5mg) in preventing heart disease. The study will involve 11,000 older people who will be followed for an average duration of 5 years.

ELIXA

ELIXA is a clinical trial being done to see if lowering the blood sugar with an experimental anti-diabetes medication will prevent future "cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks and strokes in people with type 2 diabetes who have already experienced a cardiovascular event. The experimental medication, called lixisenatide, will be compared to a placebo. Either lixisenatide or placebo will be injected once a day using an injection "pen."

This study is for people who have both diabetes and heart disease, and who have recently been in the hospital for a cardiovascular event such as heart attack or unstable angina. In total, 6,000 people like you are being enrolled in approximately 50 countries.

People who enroll in ELIXA will receive all their study-related medical care and diabetes testing supplies for free. Also, if you join you will get diet and exercise counseling. Maybe most important, you will be seen by an expert doctor who will closely watch your diabetes and heart disease.

TECOS

What is the reason for TECOS?  We know that control of blood sugar in diabetes will reduce the risk of damage in the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. There are now many types of medications available to lower blood sugars and help prevent these complications; however, it is possible that these medications may affect the cardiovascular system in different ways.

Articles

• ACCORD Study Will Change the Way Diabetes is Treated: The Human Side of…
• ACCORD Study increases knowledge of diabetes, but can help save lives now
• Idaho State University Participates in Landmark Diabetes Study
• Research conducted at the Family Medicine Clinical Research Center at Idaho State University has been published a prestigious medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine
• Diabetes Study has Major Treatment Implications
• ISU participating in national diabetes study
• ISU research results published in prestigious New England Journal of Medicine
• Due to safety concerns part of diabetes study halted; SE Idaho participants notified

Research Staff

		Rex Force, Pharm D Director of Grants, Research and Information Systems ISU Clinical Research Center Phone:  208-282-4176 Fax:  208-282-5701
		Ron Solbrig, MD Medical Investigator ISU Clinical Research Center Phone:  208-282-2330 Fax:  208-282-5701
		Eliza Borzadek, Pharm D Research Professor ISU Clinical Research Center Phone:  208-282-3413 Fax:  208-282-5701
		John Holmes, Pharm D Research Professor ISU Clinical Research Center Phone:  208-282-5391 Fax:  208-282-5701
		Loni Chacon, LPN Study Coordinator ISU Clinical Research Center Phone:  208-282-4176 Fax:  208-282-5701
		Amanda Perkins, LPN Study Coordinator ISU Clinical Research Center Phone:  208-282-4959 Fax:  208-282-5701