Research Department

Digestive Health Specialists, PA serves as a clinical research site for enrolling patients into clinical drug and device trials. These trials investigate the safety and efficacy of study drugs or devices which are being developed for the treatment of a broad range of digestive conditions. Since August 2000, we have participated in over 100 clinical research trials in the following areas:

  • researchCrohn’s Disease
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Colorectal Adenoma Prevention
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
  • Diverticulitis
  • Duodenal Ulcer
  • Erosive Esophagitis
  • Gastric Ulcer
  • GERD (heartburn/reflux)
  • Helicobacter Pylori
  • Hepatitis C
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • NAFLD-Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • NASH-Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
  • NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer (Treatment and Prevention)
  • Sedation Device
  • Ulcerative Colitis

Our clinical research trials are supervised by board-certified gastroenterologists. Before enrolling patients in a clinical research trial, the research team attends a meeting with the pharmaceutical company developing the study drug.

What is a clinical research trial?

A clinical research trial (or “study”) is designed to test the effect and safety of an investigational medication or device. The information obtained from studies helps physicians, pharmaceutical companies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determine if a drug or device is safe and effective. If a drug or device is proven safe and effective, it may be FDA-approved and made available in the general market.

If you wish to participate in a clinical research trial, you will be evaluated by a physician and/or research coordinator to determine if you are eligible. This research team will explain the study in detail and will give you a written informed consent form to read about the risks and benefits of the study. If you are eligible and you decide to enroll in a study, you may receive study medications, office visits, and procedures required by the study at no charge. Some studies offer compensation for time and travel.

We are currently enrolling patients in several clinical research trials. To find out more information, please contact your Digestive Health Specialists physician or our research coordinator, Stephanie Riggs at (336) 768-6211, ext 1145.