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.”