The Center
THE CLINICAL
RESEARCH CENTER (CRC), located in the Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, has
been in operation since 1987. The CRC has performed more than 230
clinical trials for a total of more than 10,000 participants enrolled.
We have worked with over 60 different government and pharmaceutical
industry sponsors, primarily in the areas of contraception and
menopause, but including other health topics.
We have been
involved in testing every contraceptive method on the U.S. market, as
well as some not yet available, since our inception. These include oral,
transdermal, vaginal, injectable and implantable biodegradable and
non-biodegradable contraceptive methods. The CRC has also been involved
in studies of both male and female condoms, diaphragms, diaphragm/
spermicides, and other barrier-type contraceptive devices.
We have conducted
trials in menopausal women on every type of hormone delivery method
including oral pills, transdermal patches, gels, sprays and vaginal
tablets and rings. These products have included estrogens and most of
the marketed progestogens.
Dr. David F. Archer, the director, is in demand internationally for his
vast expertise in the area of menopause. Dr. Archer has been an active
force in furthering health research since he began his medical career
more than forty years ago. Born in Louisville, Ky., he studied medicine
at the University of Louisville, and is internationally known for his
work in reproductive endocrinology.
His interest in
clinical research was sparked by the ability to use new therapeutic
options in a controlled clinical setting rather than the random use of
new medications after approval by regulatory agencies. He believes his
patients have benefited from his involvement in clinical research
because it has kept him on the leading edge of new techniques and
treatments while maintaining an understanding of old treatments and
their limitations.
The staff of CRC is
a group of specialized individuals dedicated to a healthier tomorrow
through applied clinical research. Our study coordinators are registered
nurses, and individuals with advanced degrees, and most are certified
clinical research coordinators. Our physicians are board-certified and
have been conducting research for well over 30 years in aggregate. We
also have staff specifically dedicated to the marketing, recruiting,
advertising and regulatory components of conducting clinical trials.
This makes the Clinical Research Center unique in comparison to many
other sites where the study coordinators are responsible for these
duties in addition to caring for the patients and maintaining case
report forms.
The Clinical
Research Center is located in the Jones Institute Building on the
Eastern Virginia Medical School campus in Norfolk, Va. It is a
smoke-free, climate-controlled facility with 24-hour security
surveillance and guarded limited- access areas. Free parking is provided
for patients and clinical-trial participants in the multi-level parking
garage located less than one block from the facility. There are both
clinical and basic research areas within the Jones Institute for
Reproductive Medicine with expertise in andrology, endocrinology,
embryology, and molecular biology.
Studies conducted by
the CRC are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board to guarantee
patient safety. We conduct studies using GCP (Good Clinical Practice)
standards and utilize physical and electronic safety measures to ensure
volunteers’ HIPAA (privacy) rights are closely guarded.
We strive continually in our research to assist in the development of
better, safer, and more acceptable methods of improving reproductive
health. Research is conducted in collaboration with other investigators
at universities, research institutions and private companies across the
globe.
Those interested in volunteering for a clinical trial are encouraged to
ask questions. We make every effort to assure that volunteers are
comfortable with a study before they sign the consent form. Any
participant may elect to remove him/herself from a study at any time
during the study for any reason. Because we take such excellent care of
our participants, we have many who are “repeat customers.” |