Clinical Research Trials

Clinical trials are scientific research studies to evaluate new medications or treatments in human volunteers. The purpose of a clinical trial is to find out whether the treatment is safe and effective. In an ongoing effort to provide the most current information about the treatment and prognosis of vascular disease, VDF lists important clinical trials that may lead to advances in the care of, and eventually the cure for, vascular disease.

In addition to informing the public about advances in research, VDF hopes to contribute to those advances by assisting investigators and providing information to potential enrollees. VDF provides information about clinical trials as a public service and does not specifically endorse any of the trials listed. Consumers should thoroughly read consent forms and consult with their physicians before enrolling in any trial.

More information about clinical trials may be found on VDF's Web site, www.vdf.org, or at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Researchers are currently seeking volunteers in the following two trials:

Clinical Research Study for Critical Limb Ischemia
One trial uses the individual's own stem cells to treat critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) due to lack of blood flow to the leg. Each person stores valuable stem cells in his or her bone marrow and recently, in pre-clinical studies, a special population of stem cells taken from bone marrow has shown an ability to repair ischemic damage and grow new blood vessels. Therefore, a patient's bone marrow stem cells injected back into the patient's leg may have the ability to help treat CLI.

For this study, only people with rest pain and an ABI of below .50 may qualify to participate. Participation involves study-related medical screening and provides study medication and study-related exams at no cost to the subject. The national contact number for this study is 919-484-2571, ext. 245, or visit the following Web site for more information: www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00392509?order=1

CLEVER Study (Claudication: Exercise Versus Endoluminal Revascularization)
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is sponsoring a trial for patients with claudication and peripheral arterial disease to compare the effectiveness of exercise therapy versus endovascular treatment of aortoiliac disease. For more information, visit clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00132743?order=1 or contact Joselyn Cerezo, MD, 401-444-1739, or Niki Oldenburg, 612-625-8781.

The Vascular Disease Foundation and any sponsors disclaim, either explicitly or implicitly, that any of the medications, treatments or devices listed here is safe or effective for the purposes under investigation, or that the test article is known to be equivalent or superior to any other drug, biologic, or device. Additionally, no claims are made regarding the scientific utility and conduct of clinical trials or research studies listed.