Since 1994, Neurological Associates, Inc. has been engaged in a wide variety of clinical trials investigating new approaches to treating neurological conditions. Our physicians are helping to develop the next generation of treatments for disorders such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Migraine, Neuropathy, and Alzheimer’s. Advances in medicine and science come from new ideas and approaches developed through research trials. Clinical trials test drug and device safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are an important step in making new treatments widely available and help future patients by contributing to the understanding of the conditions that affect them.

Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is a personal decision. If you decide to participate in a clinical trial at Neurological Associates, Inc., you’ll play an important role in advancing scientific knowledge and helping future patients as well as potentially benefiting personally. All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. Before joining a trial, a volunteer must qualify for the study. While involved in a clinical trial, volunteers receive investigational treatments under the supervision of a physician and other research professionals. For some studies monetary compensation will be provided.

If you are interested in participating in a research study at Neurological Associates Inc. please contact us ClinicalTrials@NAIRichmond.com

Current Studies

 Epilepsy

1. Lacosamide (VIMPAT)

This trial will try to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of conversion to lacosamide monotherapy in patients with partial-onset seizures who are withdrawn from 1 to 2 antiepileptic drugs. Study participation is 30 weeks.

2. Pregabalin (Lyrica)

This trial is an assessment of visual field changes in patients with partial seizures that receive either Pregabalin (Lyrica) or a Placebo. Study participation is 12 weeks.

Multiple Sclerosis

1.  Natalizumab (Tysabri®)

This study is a JCV Antibody testing Program for Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Receiving or Considering Treatment with Tysabri®. Study participation is up to 2 years.

2. Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone), Interferon beta 1a (Rebif or Avonex), Natalizumab (Tysabri)

This study will assess the effectiveness of switching therapy (Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone) or Interferon B-1a (Rebif or Avonex) to Natalizumab (Tysabri), in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.  Study participation is at least 48 weeks.

3. Daclizumab (DAC-HYP), Interferon beta 1a (Avonex)

This study will assess the effectiveness and safety of Daclizumab High Yield Process (DAC-HYP) versus Interferon beta 1a (Avonex) in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.  Study participation is at least 96 weeks.

Alzheimer’s disease

Rivastigmine (Exelon) Patch

This study will assess the effectiveness of a higher dose of rivastigmine (Exelon) patch (15 cm2) compared to a lower dose of the rivastigmine (Exelon) patch (5 cm2), in patients with severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Study participation is 24 weeks.

 Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

This study will attempt to determine whether the use of PDE5 inhibitors - Levitra, Viagra, or Cialis (vardenafil, sildenafil, or tadalafil) increases the risk for the development of Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). Study participation is 4 weeks.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

This study will assess the effectiveness of Pregabalin (Lyrica) or placebo in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with inadequate pain control.  Study participation is 20 weeks.

Parkinson’s disease

Droxidopa

This study will assess the clinical effect of Droxidopa in the Treatment of Symptomatic Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Study participation is up to 4 months.

Levodopa

This study will evaluate the Treatment of Patterns and Patient Outcomes in Levodopa Induced Dyskensia among Patients with Parkinson’s disease. Study participation is 1 day.