Healthcare access remains a pressing issue in Las Vegas, highlighted in reports from the Southern Nevada Health District. Despite the city’s glitz and glamour, Clark County ranks below national and state averages on various health measures, affecting residents’ access to vital medications and treatments that could save lives.
In response to these challenges, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is dedicated to transforming healthcare access through its Office of Clinical Trials. This initiative is pivotal in connecting patients with clinical drug trials, cutting-edge therapies, and emerging treatments by forging partnerships between UNLV researchers and local medical professionals.
Since its inception in 2017, the office has collaborated with local hospitals and research organizations to support over 30 clinical drug trials. This includes a variety of studies ranging from industry-sponsored projects to initiatives funded by federal agencies, all coordinated with the UNLV Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Facilitating clinical trials here in Las Vegas provides an opportunity for our community to gain greater access to quality healthcare,” states Michelle Tomasino, director of the office. The establishment of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine has been instrumental in advancing clinical research, catering to the unique healthcare needs of the local population while providing residents the opportunity to partake in pioneering medical advancements.
A notable recent initiative includes a partnership with Cure 4 the Kids to run rheumatology trials tailored for children diagnosed with lupus. This example exemplifies the office’s commitment to addressing community-specific health challenges.
Understanding the Clinical Trial Process
Launching a clinical trial is a detailed and time-consuming process, often taking 8 to 15 years from inception to completion. Key to a trial’s success is the careful matching of patients to specific studies. The clinical trials team meticulously reviews each trial’s requirements, looking for potential challenges that could impede participation.
For instance, a recent study focusing on eye diseases necessitated monthly ophthalmology appointments. To minimize the inconvenience for participants, the team sought local ophthalmologists within the Las Vegas Medical District. They collaborated with Dr. Nataly Gammoh, the founder of Vision Veinte Veinte, who readily agreed to contribute her practice’s services to meet clinical trial protocols. Such partnerships help enhance both patient access to advanced treatments and the advancement of medical research.
Dr. Gammoh emphasizes, “Participating in clinical trials research is crucial for the development of new treatments and therapies that can improve patient outcomes.” This sentiment underscores the mutual benefits provided to healthcare providers and patients alike.
UNLV’s Student Wellness pharmacy plays a significant role in these trials, as many studies are conducted directly through this on-campus facility. When custom-compounded medications are required for specific trials, the clinical trials team turns to Solutions Specialty Pharmacy. This pharmacy is one of only two in Las Vegas equipped to manage, store, and dispense investigational drugs.
“Our clinical trials infrastructure not only benefits UNLV but all local healthcare providers, offering more options for their patients,” explains Tomasino regarding the office’s expanding role in enhancing healthcare accessibility across the valley.
Future Aspirations for Clinical Trials
With a robust foundation already established, the clinical trials program at UNLV aims to evolve continuously to better meet community health needs and address prevalent and emerging health conditions. One of the program’s ambitions is to develop the UNLV Student Wellness pharmacy into a premier location for dispensation and management of clinical trials, making it more accessible for patients.
For those interested in finding and enrolling in clinical trials, patients in the Las Vegas Valley can explore numerous opportunities through clinicaltrials.gov, as well as gain insights on active trials via the Office of Clinical Trials website.