What is a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trial develop new approaches in treating and preventing various medical problems. Participants volunteer in order to contribute to medical advancement while receiving access to innovative treatments not yet available to the general population. Clinical trials gather the necessary data to approve, and potentially alter, treatments for widespread of diseases. Studies like these analyze the effects of the trials to guarantee safety and efficacy.
Clinical trials conducted at Mir Neurology & Spine Center provide developing treatment options for participating patients. The center specializes in trials including, but not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Other disorders of the Central Nervous System
Phases of Clinical Trials
Mir Neurology & Spine Center specializes in Phase III and Phase IV trials.
Phase III Trials: These trials consist of participation from patients from differing national locations. These studies test new treatment opportunities, potential replacements to current options.
Phase IV Trials: These trials observe the long-term effects of a new treatment, following its approval for widespread use by the FDA.
Why Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials provide the opportunity for patients to receive the most current treatments while supporting research endeavors that could potentially better the lives of others. As with any treatment, a particular patient’s response to a treatment differs in effect and an exact result cannot be guaranteed. In clinical trials, the treatment offered may be equitable to–or possibly better than–current options. The trials being conducted are implemented due to belief in its potential, or the treatment is simply being tested for widespread use. Clinical trials provide patients with access to the newest treatments to while moving the medical community forward in developing better treatments for the future.
Are Clinical Trials Safe?
Clinical trials receive approval from both an Institutional Review Board and the FDA, which guarantees that the trial poses no unreasonable risk to patients. Trained healthcare professionals closely oversee patients through the duration of the trials to ensure quality and safety. Above all, clinical trials are considered experimental, so although approved, results may not be satisfactory.
Each clinical trial has different requirements for participation. You may be recommended for a clinical trial by a physician, however, it is a private decision that should be made after considering all available information. The team at Mir Neurology & Spine Center will discuss your eligibility and whether clinical trials are the most suitable option for you.
How Can I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trial participation is voluntary, with the final decision determined by the patient. A recommendation may be given to you by your physician based your medical history. The Mir Neurology & Spine Center team will determine final eligibility, potentially by requesting additional testing.
When considering whether or not to participate in a clinical trial, an understanding of Informed Consent is crucial. Informed Consent lists the expansive details of the study, including potential risks. A comprehensive understanding of both the benefits and the risks is necessary for consenting to the study. The team at Mir Neurology will assist as necessary to deliver explanations and answer any questions to guarantee a well-informed decision.
Mir Neurology & Spine Center will facilitate your participation throughout the duration of the trial. Through these visits, the team at Mir Neurology will observe your progression and ensure proper protocol.
Current Studies at Mir Neurology & Spine Center
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
Alzheimer’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
The is produced for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). We currently have 22 patients enrolled in this trial which is a Phase 4. The drug is meant to cut relapses in half, delay the progression of physical disability and slow development of brain lesions. The primary objective of the study is to determine the incidence, type, and pattern of serious adverse events, including but not limited to serious infections, hepatic events, malignancies,
renal events and of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation in patients with MS.
The drug is produced for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). We currently have 3 patients enrolled in this Phase 4 trial. The drug reduces relapse by more than half, reduces the risk of disability progression, and results in fewer lesions as seen on MRI’S. The most common side effect is experiencing a slower heart rate and will usually return to normal within the first month.
This drug is meant to decrease the agitation in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We have not yet been approved to start prescribing the drug. The goal of the trial is to alleviate clinical change, quality of life and caregiver burden as well as maintain or improve quality of life.
The trial is aimed at helping patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At the present time, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatment for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Parkinson’s treatments cannot stop the progression of the disease, they can
Who Will Be Conducting These Trials?
You may contact us regarding clinical trials by calling 301-797-7600 or [email protected]. For more information, you may visit the official site for clinical trials, at clinicaltrials.gov.
Dr. Sarim Mir, MD
Heather Hall, PA-C
Elina Mir, MPH
Nunana Gamedoagbao, MS
Principal Investigator
Sub-Investigator
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Assistant
Our Locations
Hagerstown: 11110 Medical Campus Road, Suite 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742
Cumberland: 924 Seton Drive, Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502