Our office performs clinical research studies since 1998 in the areas of diabetes, cholesterol problems and hypertension. It is the largest in the south Texas area.

If you qualify for one of these studies you can be eligible to receive FREE:

• Study medication
• Supplies
• Education
• Lab work
• Physical exams
• Chest x-rays
• EKG
• Stipend ($200-300 per completion of study)

* You do not need to have medical insurance to qualify.

You may not qualify if you have one of the following conditions:

• History of a recent heart attack, stroke, angioplasty or bypass (within 6 months)
• History of severe respiratory disease (asthma, bronchitis (chronic), emphysema, COPD
• History of seizures or convulsions
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Hepatitis or HIV positive
• History of chemical or substance abuse (including alcohol)
• Women of child-bearing age that are not using contraceptive methods.

If you would like to participate, call us at (361) 879-0970, Monday-Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why would I want to participate in a research study? Am I a guinea pig?
   
   No. These medications have been tested for safety and effectiveness before they are used on human subjects. By participating in a research study, you benefit from receiving expensive study-related lab tests, physical exams, EKG's, dietary counseling, etc. free of charge. People who participate in these studies are taking an active role in disease treatment. In addition, you will be helping others who have the same disease.
   
   

2. Do I receive any payment for participating in a research study? What is a stipend?
   
   For participating in the research study you will receive a stipend, which is a fixed amount of money paid for services or to defray expenses. A stipend is sometimes given to cover some of the expenses associated with participating in a research study.
   
   

3. How long do the visits last?
   
   The visits take about an hour beginning anywhere between 8:00-10:00 am. You would be expected to come approximately once every 4-5 weeks until the end of the study. Please contact the study coordinator for more information.
   
   

4. What happens during a research study and how am I protected?
   
   Pharmaceutical companies sponsor trials with medications approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) with physicians that specialize in the area for which the medication will be used. These medications are already available to the public (phase IV) or they will soon be (phase III).
   
   Prior to the research study, a new application must be submitted to the FDA for all new drugs. The application outlines all research, animal studies conducted, the expected outcomes of the medication, and proposals for human research.
   
   You are protected by the FDA code of regulations, good clinical practices, the institutional review board (IRB), and an informed consent you will be given which outlines the goals, benefits and risks of the study. The IRB is made up of doctors, pharmacists, clergy and law professionals.
   
   

5. Can I continue my medication?
   
   It depends. Usually, you can continue medications for conditions unrelated to the study.
   
   

6. What do I do if I get sick or my doctor wants me to start a new medication?
   
   If you are participating in a research study and become sick and/or your family doctor wants you to start a new medication, please contact the study coordinator or the study doctor.
   
   

7. If I participate in a study do I have to stop seeing my family doctor?
   
   No.
   
   

8. What if I change my mind and want to quit the study?
   
   You can, although most people do not quit since they benefit from the free study-related items and being followed up by a specialist during the clinical study.
   
   

9. Will the drug be available after the study has ended?
   
   Most of the time, if the drug is not already available. Open-label (when every study participant knows which drug they are taking) extensions often follow a research study.
   
   

10. Can I participate in more than one study?
    
    Yes, although only one at a time.

11. What if there aren't any programs available for me?
    
    We have a continuous number of different studies starting and stopping at different times. You may qualify for one of these studies in the future.