The Top 20 clinical trial researchers at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) in fiscal year 2015 represent a broad range of disciplines, ranging from allergy and immunology to pediatrics and rheumatology.  More than a quarter (six) of the top 20 are physicians from the Department of Neurology, in particular clinical researchers specializing in multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ataxias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other movement disorders.

The list below, from the MCOM Office of Clinical Research (OCR), brought in the most funding from new and ongoing clinical trials in fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014- June 30, 2015).  These faculty members lead patient-oriented studies — sponsored by industry, biopharma or foundations — testing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, devices and other therapies, including some observational studies to manage symptoms and assess disease progression.

USF Health neurologist Derrick Robertson, MD, director of the USF Multiple Sclerosis Program, speaks with patient Kimberly Creech of New Port Richey, who is enrolled in an open label extension trial for ocrelizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that has shown promise in reducing MS relapses and also cutting clinical disability.

Total revenue from the trials was $7.2 million in FY 2015 — up 40 percent from $5.14 million in FY 2013.

“As basic and translational science uncover fundamental causes of disease and new pathways for treatment, the ultimate test of their usefulness to improve human health is the clinical trial,” said Stephen Liggett, MD, vice dean for research at the Morsani College of Medicine. “The success of our clinical research enterprise is due to the untiring efforts of our faculty and staff, and has occurred despite increased regulatory burdens, increased costs, decreased margins, and growth of for-profit clinical research organizations.”

From left: USF Multiple Sclerosis Program staff include Angela Aungst, MPH, CPH, clinical research administrator; Dr. Robertson, director; and Lise’ Casady, MSCN, ARNP-C, nurse practitioner. The MS clinic has 120 patients participating in 20 trials testing drugs for various stages of MS.

Photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications and Marketing