DALLAS — Feb. 26, 2007 — Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are seeking patients to participate in medical studies on type 1 diabetes, depression and a study on weight-loss medications. All clinical trials are approved by UT Southwestern's Institutional Review Board, which reviews them for benefits, risks, side effects and informed consent.

Type 1 diabetes

UT Southwestern Medical Center is enrolling participants for a new clinical trial to test how oral insulin can prevent or delay type 1 diabetes in people at risk for the disease. In this trial, oral insulin or a placebo in the form of a capsule will be taken once daily. Studies have shown that oral insulin could pose no side effects because after ingestion it can be quickly broken down by the digestive system. Currently, insulin injection or an insulin pump are the most common ways to lower a person’s blood glucose level and stave off health problems that can be caused by type 1 diabetes.

For more information, contact Marilyn Alford at 214-648-4844 or Erica Cordova at 214-648-4830.

Depression

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are conducting studies on cognitive therapy to treat people who have been depressed more than once in their lives. Eligible individuals receive 16 to 20 sessions of cognitive therapy over the course of 12 weeks. Treatment is provided at no cost. Some participants will be followed for eight or more months and will receive additional sessions to help avoid relapses of depression. Eligible volunteers should not be currently enrolled in psychiatric treatment. Please call 214-648-5351 for additional information.

Obesity and weight loss

UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of an investigational weight-loss drug. Researchers are currently enrolling participants who are 18 years and older and have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 27. Those interested in taking part in the study may have their BMI measured for them. For information, call 214-342-2383 or 214-648-4716. 

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About UT Southwestern Medical Center
UT Southwestern Medical Center, one of the premier medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. Its more than 1,400 full-time faculty members — including four active Nobel Prize winners, more than any other medical school in the world — are responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and are committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in 40 specialties to nearly 89,000 hospitalized patients and oversee 2.1 million outpatient visits a year.

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More clinical trials

Media Contact: Katherine Morales
214-648-3404
e-mail: katherine.morales@utsouthwestern.edu

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