Seemingly, every parent wants their child to be on the receiving end of as few needle sticks as possible, while still keeping them fully protected against preventable childhood diseases.  Combination vaccines include immunizations against two or more diseases. Most people are familiar with combination shots like the MMR (which combines the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines) and the DTaP (which combines vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) which have been around for years. 

Currently, many kids receive around 25 immunization shots between birth and 6 years old. To reduce this number, research is being conducted in clinics around the country to develop new and improved combination vaccines to prevent childhood diseases. ProQuad is an example of one of these newer combination vaccines that combines MMR and Varivax, for Chickenpox, into one shot.

Dr. Richard Aguilar at Saltzer Medical Group is one of the few pediatricians in Idaho participating in clinical trials for new combination vaccines.

For the past nine years Dr. Aguilar has participated in 19 vaccine studies, some of which are now on the market, and being used to treat younger siblings of children that participated in the trials before they were available for general usage.
 
Before the FDA grants permission to conduct a clinical trial, they verify that the pharmaceutical company has done extensive laboratory research regarding the combination. Only then, will the FDA allow a newly proposed combination vaccine to be tested with humans.

The physicians in the trials submit data which is used to measure the effectiveness of the vaccine for which it is intended, while closely monitoring its safety and side effects.

Pharmaceutical companies that sponsor clinical research studies provide funds to compensate participants for their time, travel and participation.  Known side effects, potential risks and all study procedures are thoroughly explained to potential participants. A document called an Informed Consent is required to be signed prior to any study related procedures.

Over 400 pediatric participants in our community have volunteered to participate in vaccine trials with Dr. Aguilar.  Participation in programs like these allows researchers to develop better, more effective vaccines so fewer shots are administered to our children. If you are interested in a participating in vaccine or other trials at Saltzer Medical Group visit the research tab at saltzermed.com.

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a group of health care professionals that must review and approve the details of a clinical trial before it begins. The primary responsibility of the IRB is to review all study-related activity and to protect the safety and rights of study participants and to make sure no one is exposed to unnecessary risks.

The Informed Consent Form is designed to give the potential participant, or their legal representative, easy-to-understand information regarding all aspects of a specific clinical trial. It is designed to provide all the information needed to help a person decide it they want to participate in the trial. Adequate time is allowed to ask questions and to make sure the potential participant feels comfortable with and agrees to the terms of the clinical trial. No study related procedures will be performed until the Informed Consent Form is signed by the participant. Each participant is given a copy of the Informed Consent Form.

People volunteer for trials for a number of reasons but most often it is to help in the advancement of science or to treat a disease for which a treatment does not currently exist.  A volunteer is usually assigned a specific study group. Sometimes volunteers in one study group will receive an investigational treatment and others receive a placebo or a treatment already available. A placebo is an inactive product used as a basis of comparison for the results of the study drug. Whether a placebo or investigational drug is used, the level of medical attention and care received by study participants at Saltzer Medical Group is the same.  A volunteer has the right to leave the study at any time and for any reason.

Any person with the condition being studied who meets all of the study specific criteria can volunteer to participate in a trial. Every trial has very specific requirements such as age, sex, weight, and a specific diagnosed medical condition. The doctor overseeing the clinical trial reviews each potential participant’s medical history to determine if that person is eligible. Known side effects and  and potential participant’s medical history to determine if that person is eligible.  Known side effects and potential risks, as well as all study procedures, are thoroughly explained to potential participants by the physician prior to participation. In addition, Saltzer Medical Group’s Clinical Research department always maintains strict confidentiality regarding information about individuals who participate in clinical trials.  In addition Saltzer physicians provide a stipend to all patients at each visit to cover time and travel.

A recent survey done by Center Watch, a clinical Trial listing company, indicates that the majority of people that take part in a clinical research trial felt that it was a positive experience. Most felt like they benefited from the experience. The goal of the survey was to better the clinical trial experience. Over 80% rated their experience as very good to excellent and 77% stated they would definitely participate in another clinical trial. Several physicians at Saltzer Medical Group are involved in clinical trials and are always recruiting for volunteers. If you or someone you know has diabetes, or high blood pressure, you may qualify for one of the ongoing trials. If interested call Marisue Smith/Director of Clinical Research at 208-463-3126.

The pharmaceutical pipeline is full of new promising therapies. The number of trials needed for these new products is growing. The large pharmaceutical companies that sponsor these trials are turning to smaller sites all over rural America. Saltzer Medical Group is proud to be one of many sites in the Treasure Valley helping to bring new drugs to market by participating in several clinical trials. Saltzer has a fully staffed researh department and over 15 ongoing trials involving over 200 participants including infants, children, teens and adults. Trial currently enrolling are: Pediatric vaccines, Type 2 diabetes, and Hypertension. To find out if you qualify check out saltzermed.com and click on research under the specialties tab.

Consider looking into the possibility of qualifying for a Clinical Trial at Saltzer Clinical Research. If you qualify you receive all study related physician visits, lab tests, medications and supplies at no cost AND we compensate you for time and travel expenses.

We are currently seeking volunteers for trials in the following theraputic areas
Type 2 Diabetes
Osteoarthritis
Atrial Fibrillation
Chronic Hand Eczema
Glaucoma
Pediatric Vaccines

For more information please call 208-288-4952

Do you have type 2 diabetes? Are you having a difficult time affording the medications and treatment? Saltzer Medical Group is involved in several diabetes research studies that offer medication and treatment to patients at no cost. Compensation for time and travel is also included. To see if you may qualify for one of these exciting opportunities, please click here.

The pharmaceutical pipeline is full of new and promising therapies. The number of trials needed for these new products is growing. Medical research projects are more ambitious today than ever before. The large pharmaceutical companies that sponsor these trials are turning to smaller sites all over rural America like Nampa.

Saltzer Medical Group in Nampa, Idaho employs a large clinical research staff and is offering participation in several trials in various therapeutic areas. Participants on a clinical research study receive study medication and doctor visits at no cost as well as lab tests, x-rays and EKGs. For anyone who is struggling with the cost of medical care in today’s economy, this is an excellent alternative to treatment. For more information on currently enrolling trials click here.