Clinical trial seeks diabetics for new gastroparesis treatment
August 16th, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
Diabetics who suffer from nausea, vomiting, bloating, or abdominal discomfort after eating may be eligible to participate in a study for an investigational medication to reduce the symptoms associated with delayed stomach emptying, also known as gastroparesis, a condition many diabetics experience.
The study is being conducted at institutes in 37 cities in numerous states across the country. Additional criteria to participate includes being 18 years of age or older and free of cancer for five years. Qualified participants will receive all study-related exams and investigational study medication at no cost. Compensation is also provided.
Currently, there are few options for patients who suffer from the painful and often debilitating symptoms of gastroparesis. A restricted diet may help some, but many turn to medications or surgery to help them lead normal lives. However, surgery can be invasive, and even the most common medications to treat gastroparesis, such as Reglan (metoclopramide), come with an FDA black box warning that the drug has been linked to a serious and involuntary movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia. There is no cure for Tardive Dyskinesia and symptoms often persist even after the medication has been stopped.
Clinical trials are medical research studies involving people. The trials look at preventing disease, treatments, diagnosing disease and controlling symptoms, and seek to determine if a new experimental drug or procedure is safe, has side effects, works better than the currently used treatment, and helps patients feel better. New treatments must be thoroughly tested first in the laboratory and then in people before they are approved by the FDA.
For more information about and locations for the nationwide Diabetic Gastroparesis Clinical Trial, visit the Clinical Connection.