National Jewish Clinical Research
National Jewish is a private institution renowned worldwide as the leader in the research and treatment of respiratory, immune, and allergic disorders. We enter the 21st century as the only institution in the world dedicated exclusively to these disorders.
For over 80 years, National Jewish has been conducting research. We are rated among the top 10 independent biomedical research centers.
National Jewish is committed to continuing our role as a leading research institution in the world by continually updating and increasing our technology and capabilities.
Why is clinical research important?
What is a clinical trial/study?
What disease states or conditions are currently in clinical trials at National Jewish?
Besides the FDA, who else oversees clinical research trials?
How can I volunteer for a clinical research trial?
How can I learn more about National Jewish’s clinical research groups?
Why is clinical research important?
Clinical research is critical to understanding diseases and improving treatment methods. Over the years, clinically based studies conducted at National Jewish Medical and Research Center have led to new and improved treatments for a number of respiratory, allergic, and immune diseases.
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What is a clinical trial/study?
A clinical research trial uses volunteers to answer specific questions about a medication. These studies help medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies develop new and improved therapies for human diseases. People choose to participate for a variety of reasons; furthering science, to obtain medical care or education about their disease, or to gain access to highly sought after physicians or specialist. Patients may be paid for their participation in studies.
Before an experimental medication is tested in humans the FDA must approve an Investigations New Drug Application (IND). If the FDA feels the drug appears safe enough to be tested on humans (based on previous lab tests), the first phase (Phase I) of advanced drug development begins. This phase usually involves testing the drug on normal adults, then adults with the disease targeted by the drug to determine the safety of the drug at various doses.
Phase II of the trial is where the effectiveness and safety of the drug is tested over a range of doses. The purpose of the Phase II study is to determine whether the drug is effective compared with a placebo, and if so what the optimal dose might be.
Phase III studies are performed to identify the safety and effectiveness of long-term treatment. Once Phase III is complete the FDA reviews the data collected during the trials. If the drug is found to be safe and effective the FDA approves it. Post marketing or Phase IV trials may be performed after a drug is approved to determine the best way to use the new medication.
What disease states or conditions are currently in clinical trials at National Jewish?
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Besides the FDA, who else oversees clinical research trials?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an independent committee designated by National Jewish to review, to approve the initiation of, and to conduct periodic review of research involving human subjects. The primary purpose of such review is to assure the protection of the rights and welfare of the human subjects.
Learn more about the National Jewish Institutional Review Board.
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How can I volunteer for a clinical research trial?
See our ongoing clinical research and volunteer opportunities.
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How can I learn more about National Jewish’s clinical research groups?
To learn more about our research groups and the diseases they study, click on the links below.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Clinical Research Unit
Carl and Hazel Felt Laboratory for Asthma Research
General Clinical Research Center Information
The Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) Study
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