Patients Needed for Obesity Clinical Trail

On several occasions I have talked about the importance of African Americans, women, and other minority groups participating in clinical trials so that the effects of new drugs and treatments on these different populations can be determined. Until recently, African Americans have been not invited to participate in clinical trials but that is no longer the case. Participating in a clinical trial is one way you can make a contribution to help improve medical care and it is very safe. Before a clinical trail can be performed the entire research process is reviewed by a medical board that examines every detail to determine the safety of the trial.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Weight Management Center is conducting a study on obese and overweight patients to test a combination of drugs previously not prescribed for weight loss. This is a double blind study which means that participants get either the real pill or a placebo. The Director of the MUSC Weight Management Center and primary investigator of the trial, Patrick O’Neil, Ph.D., is very interested in getting a diverse group of potential candidates. This is an excellent opportunity for patients who are overweight or obese and are motivated to do something about weight reduction. Please see the following link for a complete description of the program:

http://www.musc.edu/catalyst/archive/2007/co7-13overweight.html

Check it out and think about becoming a participant.

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell closing the gap in health care. 9/17/07