Issue Vol. 19, No. 1 Fall 2008
A Newsletter of Scientific Research for Quality Medical Care
The PRI Bulletin this issue
EYE ON IT What’s New at PRI?
Aftercare Treatment for PRI Research Patients
P.1
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Update P.2
Smoking Cessation
The Professionals at PRI P.3 Stopping smoking is not easy. In fact, it is very difficult! Nonetheless, here at PRI we have seen some remarkable successes in our smoking cessation research studies. One of the key predictors of success is a person’s self-reported desire to quit. Our studies involve brief, semi-standardized, yet individualized, counseling sessions to bolster and support one’s efforts to stop smoking, independent of the research medication. In short, if you are really motivated to stop smoking, we’re here to help!
Insomnia Remember hearing as a child, “You’d better get a good night’s sleep!”? Ironically, as adults that old adage is truer-thanever! And yet, an everincreasing percentage of adults are doing more and sleeping less – much to their own demise…physically, emotionally and professionally. For information on our newest insomnia studies – looking at refreshing “restorative” sleep – please call the PRI office nearest you.
PRI’s “New” San Fernando Valley Office! P.4
Aftercare Treatment for PRI Research Patients by Nader Oskooilar, M.D., Ph.D. PRI is dedicated, first and foremost, to patient well-being. To that end, PRI has a post-study aftercare plan whereby patients, if indicated, may receive up to three months of medication management care. This assures that patients completing their participation in a PRI study will have enough time to improve or stabilize on their medications, before they are referred to outside follow-up treatment options. The aftercare plan is flexible and individualized to fit the needs and unique characteristics of each patient and it is provided at no cost! PRI physicians (and nurses), along with the patient, discuss and determine the best possible course of action for post-study follow-up medications. Based upon patient need and drug availability, patients will: receive samples of an appropriate medication; or, receive coupons from pharmaceutical companies, along with an accompanying prescription for free trials of the medicine; or, be supplied with a prescription for a very low cost similar medication [as effective and safe as the comparable brand name]; or, be provided with a prescription to be filled and paid for with cash or by the patient’s health insurance. In some cases, PRI may assist patients with low cost prescriptions at designated pharmacy locations.
Our physicians and research nurses will see patients for follow-up medication visits, for up to three months. The frequency of the visits may vary; however, they generally occur every two to four weeks. Limited consultation with the physician overseeing the medication management is available as part of the aftercare program. Additionally, crises and acute conflicts in the life of a patient may, upon occasion, require an extended session, which may also be provided as part of the aftercare plan. The PRI aftercare program is completely voluntary and in full cooperation with the patient. If a patient has other plans outside these aftercare suggestions/guidelines, such as taking no medication, it will be respected, given that the patient is aware of the potential risks and benefits of their decision. All ongoing research study and aftercare patients are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback/suggestions regarding their treatment at PRI. We often hear that our research patients have had a very satisfactory experience at PRI. We further hope that PRI has left a positive impression on our patients so that they will feel comfortable coming back to participate in future studies and/or consider referring other individuals to our ongoing research programs.
EYE ON IT What’s New at PRI?
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Update
Depression Did you know that one in five Americans will experience depression at some time during
Bapineuzumab, a.k.a. “AAB-001,” Moves Forward!
their lifetime? Would it surprise you to know that many people silently endure the signs and symptoms of depression for
by Charles S. Wilcox, Ph.D.
months (and often years) before seeking assistance? We are currently enrolling adults into
On June 17, 2008, Élan Phar-
“advance-the-fight-against
program!
studies with some of the newest
maceuticals and Wyeth Re-
Alzheimer’s disease.”
PRI is
involved in this newest study, a
potential advancements in anti-
search announced encourag-
(now) also involved in the very
person may be receiving the
depressant therapy. For an ini-
ing results from the Phase-II
large
International
potential benefits of the cur-
tial consultation please call the
clinical trial of Bapineuzumab
Study with Bapineuzumab and
rently marketed medications,
PRI office nearest you!
(AAB-001) for the treatment of
we are enrolling study partici-
the possible benefits of this
Alzheimer’s
pants
novel
Anxiety
disease.
PRI
Phase-III
at
our
Encino,
Los
So, by becoming
research
treatment
study participants (and their
Alamitos and Newport Beach
(Bapineuzumab), the guaran-
caregivers) have had a very
locations. The current Phase-
teed
central role for these past six
III project is for people in the
thorough clinical assessments
benefits
of
careful/
Stressed Out? Nervous? Anx-
(6) years in the clinical evalua-
and monitoring, as well as the
ious? If so, rest assured you are
tion of Bapineuzumab.
On
satisfaction of knowing that
not alone! In spite of the elec-
July 29, 2008, more detailed
you may not only be helping
tronic and mechanical conven-
results from the study were
yourself,
presented at the annual Inter-
helps millions of people joined
national Conference on Alz-
together in the fight against
heimer’s Disease (ICAD) in
Alzheimer’s disease!!
iences available to most Americans today, literally millions of Americans endure the signs, symptoms and consequences of anxiety for years and years “hoping they’ll just go away.” In fact, the average adult ‘toughs-itout’ for fourteen (yes 14!) years before seeking help. It’s usually the physical consequences, such as ulcers, hypertension, etc., etc. that motivate people to
Chicago.
The President and
CEO of Wyeth stated, “We are encouraged by these findings. We remain driven by science and focused on patients, as we work to bring this treatment to those who desperately need new options.”
‘mild-to-moderate
consult their physician. Before you ‘wear out’ (physically and/or emotionally) we encourage you to ‘reach out’ and call PRI for a no-cost, confidential consultation.
stages’
….
Patients currently taking a stable In addition to (potentially) help-
dose
ing themselves, study partici-
Razadyne™, and/or Namenda®
pants
are able to continue taking these
and
their
caregivers
(here at PRI) have helped to
of
Aricept®,
Exelon®,
medicines and enroll in this new
Page 2
your
participation
This Issue’s Featured Team Member
Nader Oskooilar, M.D., Ph.D.
EYE ON IT What’s New at PRI? Alzheimer’s Disease
by Charles S. Wilcox, Ph.D. Bapineuzumab (AAB-001) is a
As both a Medical Director and Principal Investigator here at PRI, many people know Dr. Oskooilar as a very well-educated skillful and caring physician. For those of us fortunate enough to work with him on a daily basis, we recognize and appreciate him as truly being a “Renaissance Man.” Based on the artists and scholars in the European Renaissance, (starting in about 1450 CE), the term “Renaissance Man” was used as an accolade for those who endeavored to study a wide array of fields, including physics, philosophy, engineering and the arts. Indeed, when applying these same criteria in 2008, Dr. Oskooilar more than makes-the-grade! As a young man growing-up Dr. Oskooilar was a ‘high-achiever’, both academically and athletically. He enjoyed soccer, wrestling, volleyball and swimming, as well as track and field—where he excelled at the high jump and the long jump! In many ways, he seems to have never stopped jumping to new heights! Fascinated by aeronautics, he worked to become licensed as a commercial pilot. Because of his strong interest in the martial arts, he trained to earn a black belt. Professionally, with extensive training in both psychiatry and psychology, including board certifications in adult and geriatric psychiatry, Dr. Oskooilar’s credentials are truly excellent. As a psychiatrist he has a commitment to his patients; consequently, he never stops working to provide the very best patient care possible— whether it is in the context of a clinical trial, post-study treatment in PRI’s After Care program or vis-à-vis his private practice, where he often provides psychotherapy as well as medication therapy. As a researcher-clinician he envisions a very bright future where increasingly personalized awareness, involving genes and biomarkers, translates into better care! He is very knowledgeable about the effects of stress and inflammation, as well as the adverse consequences of the nontreatment of these conditions. Personally, Dr. Oskooilar enjoys his leisure time reading, writing, swimming and “hanging out” (especially vacationing) with his wife and daughter...along with their Maltese ~”Loui”. Although he has lived in Indiana, South Dakota, Florida and Missouri (as well as overseas), Dr. Oskooilar now calls California his home. For those of us who have the privilege and pleasure of working with this Renaissance Man, we feel fortunate that he is now a Californian too!!
potential advancement in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is being evaluated at all three PRI locations. Whether your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or you are concerned that his or her memory seems to be worsening, we encourage you to call us today! The importance and potential benefits associated with the earliest possible diagnosis and intervention cannot be over-stated. Time is too precious; we encourage you to call us today!
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) We currently have ongoing studies for Adults with ADHD at all three locations! These studies (usually) enroll quite quickly. While Adult ADHD has only recently received the level of professional attention it deserves, especially in the research arena, effective treatment can translate into an amazing improvement in one’s quality-of-life (“QOL”), both personally and professionally. For information about our newest Adult ADHD studies please call
Page 3
the PRI office nearest you.
The PRI Bulletin is an official publication of the Pharmacology Research Institute and is intended for patients and friends of the Institute. PRI does not rent, sell or trade its mailing list with any other organization or company. Your personal information is kept completely confidential. Inquiries and changes of address may be directed to any of the sites below. Medical Directors Jon F. Heiser, M.D. Daniel E. Grosz, M.D. Nader Oskooilar, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Medical Directors E. Cynthia Cabrera, M.D. Don F. De Francisco, M.D., Ph.D.
Page 4
PRI’s “New” San Fernando Valley Office! Are you one of the (literally) thousands of people who visited PRI’s Northridge office during the 1990s and/or up until December 2006? We really enjoyed working in the Northridge building and location for many years! However, in concert with the everincreasing costs for transportation and gasoline, in December 2006 we moved into the newer and even better-located “Encino Office Park” ~ right at the southwest corner of Victory and Balboa Boulevards! Directly across the street (on the southeast corner) is the station for the new Metrolink “Orange Line” Light Rail System.
Executive Director Charles S. Wilcox, Ph.D. PRI Bulletin Editors Rachel Gotiong Janet L. Minter Site Coordinators/ Office Locations Mellissa Henry, R.N., M.S.N., N.P. 4281 Katella Avenue, Suite 115 Los Alamitos, CA 90720 714/827-3668/ Fax: 714/827-3669 Email: losalamitos@priresearch.com Barbara B. Katz, R.N., C.C.R.C. 1601 Dove Street, Suite 290 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949/752-7936/ Fax: 949/752-1412 Email: newport@priresearch.com Judy Morrissey R.N., M.S.N, C.C.R.C. 6345 Balboa Blvd. Bldg III, Ste 363 Encino, CA 91316 818/705-7450/ Fax: 818/705-7454 Email: encino@priresearch.com
Yes, in addition to being newer and larger, we believe that our new office is extremely well-positioned to better serve you! There is an excellent allotment of “guest parking” and there’s even a small restaurant in the adjacent building (IV). Our new Encino Office Park address/contact information is: Pharmacology Research Institute 6345 Balboa Boulevard Building-III, Suite #363 Encino, CA 91316 Telephone: 818.705.7450; Facsimile: 818.705.7454 Email: encino@priresearch.com
In the event we may be of any assistance to you, your family and/or friends, we hope to see you soon!!
Check out our newly updated website at: www.priresearch.com
The PRI Bulletin
Issue Vol. 19 No. 1 Fall 2008
THE PRI BULLETIN Pharmacology Research Institute PO Box 1645 Los Alamitos, CA 90720
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