Clinical Trials

Phoenix Neurological Associates has been actively involved in research trials in many different neurologic diseases for over 15 years. We conduct Phase II through Phase IV trials. Some of these trials are developed by our physicians while others are part of larger national and international collaborative efforts. We have a fully functional research center and a research staff. Most of our trials are conducted in our offices; however, some of the trials require inpatient monitoring and those trials are conducted at Banner Good Samaritan Hospitals.

Research conducted at PNA involves a spectrum of efforts, from searches for new therapeutic areas that are targeted at improving and prolonging the survival rate of patients with ALS, MS, and Neuropathy. Overall, research here focuses on an array of conditions, including, Dermatomyostitis, Polymyositis, Inclusion Body Myositis, Diabetic Neuropathy, Small Fiber Neuropathy, Amyotrophic Lateral Scelerosis, Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis.

Clinical Research

In general, clinical trials are used to test the safety and effectiveness of drugs and medical procedures in a human population.A clinical trial is a research study involving people who volunteer to participate. It is one of the final stages of medical research necessary to evaluate promising new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Clinical trials most often investigate new drugs or combinations of drugs, as well as drug doses and schedules. Many clinical trials are performed to see if a new drug or device is safe and effective for people to use. Clinical trials can also compare existing treatments to determine which is more efficacious and better tolerated.

This ongoing collaboration between physician investigators and study volunteers is one of the foundations of modern healthcare, because clinical trials help set the standards for patient care. There are potential benefits, as well, for clinical trial volunteers. For instance, volunteers with existing diseases or conditions can play a more active role in their own healthcare, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.

When you join a clinical trial, you receive a new drug and/or procedure or the current standard of care. Researchers then evaluate the effect of the new treatment and compare it to the standard treatment. New findings can play a significant role in shaping the future of treatment and advancing the overall level of care available.

Carefully conducted clinical trials are the safest and fastest way to find treatments that work in people, and new ways to improve health. Today, the PNA is currently involved in 28 different trials and are currently recruiting for several clinical trials of various types for different diseases.