January 11, 2005

Boise State Partners With Sonora Clinical Research On Pharmaceutical Trials

In a research partnership unusual for a university without a medical school, Boise State University is collaborating with private industry to conduct Phase III pharmaceutical trials that will include university students and staff. The partnership will also result in continuing education programs to allow faculty, students and healthcare professionals in the community to obtain skills in conducting and managing clinical research trials. The Center for Health Policy and Health, Wellness and Counseling Services are coordinating the on-campus activities with Sonora Clinical Research, a Boise-based private research organization. Phase III trials, normally the final stage prior to FDA approval, are currently getting underway on the BSU campus for two different pharmaceutical products including a new drug developed to mediate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and another drug developed for the treatment of new-onset, Type II diabetes in young adults. BSU students, staff and faculty who meet the study criteria may participate in these trials. Candidates interested in participating may personally contact Sonora Clinical Research, LLC, at (208) 888-4773. “Pharmaceutical corporations look for a wide range of patient populations,” said Selma Luedtke, Sonora research director. “One of the great things about bringing this program to the BSU campus is to provide state-of-the art medical care while at the same time contributing to the development of safer and more effective medical treatments in the future. All medications and all diagnostic exams are free of charge for the participants.” Participants will receive medical evaluations and care at BSU’s Health and Wellness Center under the supervision of the principal clinical investigator Vincent Serio. Sonora Clinical Research will perform the protocol management and data collection oversight functions.  In most of the studies, participants will enroll in the trials for a period of about two or three months. The trials will consist of controlled, double blind studies. This means that neither the patient nor the medical provider will know if the patient is taking the new drug or a placebo.  “Our partnership with private industry will allow BSU to assist in the development of new medical treatments and services while expanding our teaching and service activities in the area of public health” explained Dr. Uwe Reischl, Director of BSU’s Center for Health Policy.  Contacts: Dr.  CONTACT Uwe Reischl, Center for Health Policy, (208) 426-5776, ureischl@boisestate.edu   Selma Luedtke, Sonora Clinical Research LLC, (208) 888-4773, Sonora-selma@cableone.net                                                              Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, communications and marketing, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu