Research

Clinical Trials at Pars Medicine

Clinical trials are essential to advancing medical care, developing new treatments, and improving patient outcomes. At Pars Medicine, we conduct cutting-edge clinical research across diverse therapeutic areas, offering patients access to innovative investigational therapies while contributing to medical knowledge that benefits people worldwide.

Our Clinical Research Mission

The Clinical Trials Program at Pars Medicine is dedicated to conducting rigorous, ethical research that translates scientific discoveries into improved patient care. We are committed to:

• Providing patients with access to promising new treatments through clinical trials
• Conducting high-quality research that meets the highest scientific and ethical standards
• Advancing medical knowledge across diverse disease areas and patient populations
• Ensuring patient safety, informed consent, and protection of participant rights
• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research

Current Clinical Trials

Pars Medicine currently conducts over 200 active clinical trials spanning all phases of investigation (Phase I through Phase IV) across multiple therapeutic areas:

Oncology Trials

Investigating novel cancer therapies including immunotherapies, targeted therapies, combination treatments, and precision medicine approaches for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Active trials include studies of breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and pediatric cancers.

Cardiovascular Trials

Testing new treatments for heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, and stroke prevention. Studies include novel medications, medical devices, interventional procedures, and lifestyle interventions.

Neurology and Psychiatry Trials

Evaluating therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Trials encompass pharmacologic agents, neuromodulation devices, and behavioral interventions.

Infectious Disease Trials

Studying new antimicrobial agents, antiviral therapies, vaccines, and treatment strategies for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections including emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.

Metabolic and Endocrine Trials

Investigating treatments for diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome. Studies include novel medications, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and comprehensive lifestyle interventions.

Immunology and Rheumatology Trials

Testing therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and other autoimmune conditions. Trials feature biologics, small molecule inhibitors, and immunomodulatory agents.

Respiratory Disease Trials

Evaluating treatments for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis including novel inhalers, biologics, and combination therapies.

Other Therapeutic Areas

Additional trials address nephrology, hepatology, dermatology, ophthalmology, women's health, pediatrics, rare diseases, and preventive medicine.

How to Participate in Clinical Trials

Participating in a clinical trial may provide access to promising new treatments while contributing to medical research. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Search for Trials

Use our Clinical Trials Search Tool to find studies matching your condition, or search ClinicalTrials.gov for Pars Medicine studies. You may also ask your physician about relevant trials.

Step 2: Contact the Research Team

Each trial listing includes contact information for the study coordinator. Contact them to learn more about the study, ask questions, and express interest in participation.

Step 3: Screening and Eligibility

The research team will review your medical history to determine if you meet eligibility criteria. Each trial has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria based on age, diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatments, and other medical factors.

Step 4: Informed Consent

If eligible, you'll meet with the research team to discuss the study in detail. You'll receive an informed consent document explaining the study purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, alternatives, and your rights. Take time to read carefully, ask questions, and discuss with family before deciding.

Step 5: Enrollment and Participation

If you choose to enroll, you'll undergo baseline evaluations and begin the study. Throughout participation, you'll have regular visits for monitoring, testing, and assessment. You may withdraw from a study at any time for any reason.

Patient Protections and Safety

Your safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. All clinical trials at Pars Medicine include comprehensive protections:

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Oversight

Every clinical trial is reviewed and approved by our independent IRB, which includes physicians, scientists, ethicists, and community members. The IRB ensures studies are ethical, scientifically sound, and include appropriate safeguards.

Informed Consent

All participants receive detailed information about the study and provide voluntary, written informed consent before enrollment. Consent is an ongoing process, and you may ask questions or withdraw at any time.

Safety Monitoring

Research teams closely monitor participants for adverse events. Independent Data Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMBs) review safety data for many trials, with authority to modify or stop studies if safety concerns arise.

Participant Rights

You have the right to:

• Understand the study purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits
• Ask questions at any time
• Decline participation without affecting your regular medical care
• Withdraw from the study at any time without penalty
• Privacy and confidentiality of your medical information
• Receive information about study results

Benefits and Risks of Participation

Potential Benefits

• Access to new treatments not yet widely available
• Close monitoring and care from expert research teams
• Contribution to medical knowledge that may help future patients
• No cost for study-related care (investigational treatment, tests, procedures)
• Possible compensation for time and travel expenses

Potential Risks

• Unknown side effects from investigational treatments
• Possibility that the new treatment may not be effective
• Additional time commitment for study visits and procedures
• Potential need for additional tests, blood draws, or imaging
• Randomization (in some studies) to standard treatment rather than experimental therapy

Diversity in Clinical Research

We are committed to ensuring clinical trials reflect the diversity of patients who will ultimately use new treatments. We actively recruit participants from diverse racial, ethnic, age, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We provide language assistance, transportation support, and flexible scheduling to reduce barriers to participation.

Clinical Trials Office Resources

Our Clinical Trials Office provides comprehensive support including:

• Patient navigation and trial matching assistance
• Educational materials about clinical research
• Financial counseling regarding insurance coverage
• Transportation and lodging assistance for out-of-town participants
• Translation and interpretation services
• Patient advocate support

For Physicians and Referring Providers

Healthcare providers may refer patients to clinical trials by contacting our Physician Referral Line at 555-0250 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We provide consultation on trial suitability and regular updates on patient progress.

Learn more or find a trial: Visit our Clinical Trials Search, call 555-0225, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Basic Research Programs

Basic research at Pars Medicine explores fundamental mechanisms of biology, disease, and health to generate new knowledge that forms the foundation for future medical breakthroughs. Our basic scientists investigate questions at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels, using cutting-edge technologies to understand how biological processes work in health and go awry in disease.

Mission and Approach

Our basic research mission is to uncover fundamental biological principles that will ultimately transform medical care. We pursue curiosity-driven research asking: How do cells communicate? What makes cancer cells grow uncontrollably? How does the brain process information? What determines the balance between health and disease? These fundamental questions generate insights that lead to new diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies.

We embrace an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and computational biology. Our researchers collaborate across traditional disciplinary boundaries, applying diverse methodologies to complex biological questions.

Research Focus Areas

Cancer Biology

Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Research areas include:

• Oncogenic signaling pathways and tumor suppressor mechanisms
• Cancer stem cells and tumor heterogeneity
• Tumor microenvironment and cancer-immune system interactions
• DNA damage response and genomic instability
• Epigenetic alterations in cancer
• Metabolism in cancer cells
• Mechanisms of metastasis and cancer dormancy

Immunology and Host Defense

Investigating how the immune system protects against infection and cancer while maintaining tolerance to self. Key research areas include:

• Innate and adaptive immune responses
• T cell and B cell biology
• Immune tolerance and autoimmunity
• Immunometabolism and immune cell function
• Mucosal immunity and microbiome interactions
• Vaccine development and immune memory
• Inflammatory pathways and resolution of inflammation

Neuroscience

Exploring brain structure, function, development, and disease at multiple scales from molecules to neural circuits. Research encompasses:

• Neural development and brain plasticity
• Synaptic transmission and neural circuits
• Neurodegeneration and protein aggregation
• Neuroinflammation and neuroimmunology
• Neurotransmitter systems and signaling
• Learning, memory, and cognitive function
• Neural stem cells and regeneration

Cardiovascular Biology

Understanding heart and blood vessel function in health and disease. Areas of investigation include:

• Cardiac development and congenital heart defects
• Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms
• Heart failure and cardiac remodeling
• Atherosclerosis and vascular biology
• Angiogenesis and vascular development
• Cardiac metabolism and energetics
• Cardiomyocyte biology and regeneration

Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Studying metabolic regulation and endocrine function. Research focuses on:

• Insulin signaling and glucose metabolism
• Adipocyte biology and obesity
• Mitochondrial function and metabolic disease
• Lipid metabolism and dyslipidemia
• Hormonal regulation of metabolism
• Energy balance and appetite control
• Metabolic liver disease

Genetics and Genomics

Leveraging genomic technologies to understand genetic contributions to health and disease:

• Gene regulation and transcriptional control
• Chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications
• Non-coding RNA function
• Genetic variation and disease susceptibility
• Genome editing and CRISPR technologies
• Single-cell genomics and cellular heterogeneity
• Computational genomics and bioinformatics

Infectious Disease and Microbiology

Investigating host-pathogen interactions and microbial pathogenesis:

• Viral replication and immune evasion
• Bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance
• Host innate immune responses to infection
• Microbiome composition and host-microbe interactions
• Emerging infectious diseases
• Fungal and parasitic infections

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Exploring stem cell properties and regenerative potential:

• Embryonic and adult stem cell biology
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Tissue regeneration and repair mechanisms
• Organoid development and disease modeling
• Stem cell differentiation and fate determination
• Tissue engineering approaches

Research Laboratories and Principal Investigators

Our basic research programs are led by over 80 principal investigators directing independent research laboratories. Each lab focuses on specific research questions while contributing to broader departmental and institutional research themes. Faculty investigators hold positions in departments including:

• Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• Department of Neuroscience
• Department of Pharmacology
• Department of Physiology
• Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
• Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences

Core Facilities and Technologies

Basic researchers have access to state-of-the-art core facilities providing advanced technologies:

• Genomics Core - Next-generation sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell sequencing
• Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry - Protein identification, post-translational modifications, metabolomics
• Flow Cytometry - Multi-parameter cell analysis and cell sorting
• Imaging Core - Confocal, two-photon, electron microscopy, live-cell imaging
• Bioinformatics - Computational analysis, data visualization, algorithm development
• Transgenic and Genome Editing - CRISPR/Cas9, mouse models, viral vectors
• Structural Biology - X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy

Publications and Impact

Basic research at Pars Medicine generates high-impact discoveries published in leading scientific journals including Nature, Science, Cell, and specialized journals across disciplines. Our faculty publish over 400 research articles annually, advancing knowledge across biomedical sciences.

Recent notable discoveries include:

• Identification of novel molecular pathways regulating cancer metastasis
• Development of new CRISPR-based gene editing tools
• Discovery of immune checkpoint molecules with therapeutic potential
• Elucidation of neural circuits underlying memory formation
• Characterization of metabolic pathways in cardiovascular disease

Training and Education

Basic research laboratories provide exceptional training environments for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers. Training programs include:

• PhD Programs - Biomedical Sciences graduate program with diverse specializations
• MD/PhD Program - Combined physician-scientist training
• Postdoctoral Fellowships - Advanced research training across disciplines
• Summer Research Programs - Undergraduate research experiences
• Research Rotations - Laboratory exposure for medical and graduate students

Funding Support

Basic research programs are supported by competitive funding from NIH, NSF, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, private foundations, and institutional resources. Our Office of Research provides grant writing support, regulatory guidance, and research administration.

Collaboration and Resources

We foster collaborative research through:

• Departmental and interdisciplinary seminar series
• Research symposia and retreats
• Shared core facilities and equipment
• Pilot grant programs for collaborative projects
• Partnerships with other academic institutions and industry

For more information: Explore our Faculty Research Directory, contact the Office of Basic Research at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 555-0275 for information about research opportunities, collaborations, or training programs.

Translational Research

Translational research is the vital bridge connecting laboratory discoveries to clinical practice and public health impact. At Pars Medicine, our translational research programs accelerate the journey from bench to bedside and back again, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs improve patient care and that clinical observations generate new research questions. We are committed to translating knowledge into action to benefit patients and communities.

The Translational Research Vision

Translational research encompasses the full spectrum from basic discovery through clinical implementation and population health impact. We conceptualize translation as a bidirectional, iterative process:

• T0 Research - Basic biomedical research generating foundational knowledge
• T1 Translation - Moving discoveries from laboratory to human clinical trials
• T2 Translation - Establishing efficacy and effectiveness of interventions in clinical practice
• T3 Translation - Implementing evidence-based interventions in communities and health systems
• T4 Translation - Evaluating population health impact and informing policy

This comprehensive approach ensures that discoveries reach patients efficiently while clinical insights inform future research.

Translational Research Programs

Drug Discovery and Development

Our drug development pipeline spans target identification through clinical trials:

• Target Discovery and Validation - Identifying disease-relevant molecular targets using genomics, proteomics, and functional studies
• Hit-to-Lead Optimization - Screening compound libraries, optimizing drug-like properties, and medicinal chemistry
• Preclinical Development - Testing pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy in animal models, and formulation
• IND-Enabling Studies - GMP manufacturing, regulatory preparation, and Investigational New Drug applications
• Clinical Trials - Phase I-III trials evaluating safety, dosing, efficacy, and comparative effectiveness

Recent drug development successes include novel targeted therapies for cancer, cardiovascular disease treatments, and antimicrobial agents now in clinical trials.

Biomarker Discovery and Validation

Identifying and validating biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection, and monitoring:

• Multi-omics approaches (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for biomarker discovery
• Development of diagnostic assays and companion diagnostics
• Clinical validation studies establishing biomarker utility
• Integration of biomarkers into clinical decision-making
• Liquid biopsy development for non-invasive disease monitoring

Medical Device and Technology Development

Translating engineering innovations into clinical applications:

• Diagnostic devices and point-of-care testing platforms
• Implantable devices (cardiac devices, neural implants, drug delivery systems)
• Wearable sensors and remote monitoring technologies
• Surgical instruments and minimally invasive technologies
• Digital health tools and mobile health applications
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for clinical decision support

Cell and Gene Therapy

Developing advanced cellular and genetic therapies:

• CAR-T cell therapy for cancer and autoimmune diseases
• Gene therapy vectors and delivery systems
• Genome editing approaches (CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, prime editing)
• Stem cell therapies for regenerative medicine
• Manufacturing and quality control for cell-based therapies
• Clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy

Precision Medicine and Pharmacogenomics

Personalizing treatment based on individual patient characteristics:

• Genomic profiling to guide cancer therapy selection
• Pharmacogenomic testing for drug dosing and selection
• Integration of multi-omic data for treatment decisions
• Clinical implementation of precision medicine approaches
• Health equity in precision medicine

Imaging and Diagnostic Technologies

Advancing diagnostic imaging capabilities:

• Novel imaging probes and contrast agents
• Advanced MRI, PET, and CT imaging techniques
• Molecular imaging for early disease detection
• Image-guided therapies and interventions
• Artificial intelligence for image analysis and interpretation

Infrastructure and Resources

Pars Medicine provides comprehensive infrastructure supporting translational research:

Translational Research Centers

• Center for Drug Discovery and Development - High-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology
• Institute for Precision Medicine - Genomic medicine, bioinformatics, precision diagnostics
• Cell and Gene Therapy Center - GMP manufacturing, vector production, clinical cell therapy
• Biomarker Development Laboratory - Biomarker discovery, assay development, clinical validation
• Medical Device Innovation Center - Prototyping, testing, regulatory support for device development

Core Facilities

• GMP manufacturing facility for investigational products
• Biorepository with clinical specimens linked to outcomes data
• Phase I Clinical Research Unit for early-stage trials
• Genomics and proteomics cores
• Preclinical imaging facility
• Bioinformatics and computational biology resources

Regulatory and Administrative Support

• Office of Regulatory Affairs providing FDA/IND support
• Clinical Trials Office for study design and implementation
• Technology Transfer Office for patents, licensing, and commercialization
• IRB and IACUC for ethical oversight
• Quality assurance and regulatory compliance support

Partnerships and Collaboration

Successful translation requires diverse partnerships:

Academic Collaborations

Multi-institutional collaborations leveraging complementary expertise, sharing resources, and conducting multi-center trials.

Industry Partnerships

Collaborations with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies for co-development, licensing, and clinical trials. Partnerships accelerate translation while supporting institutional research.

Clinical Practice Integration

Embedded translational research within clinical care settings, enabling rapid clinical testing and implementation while ensuring patient access to innovations.

Community Engagement

Partnership with patient advocacy groups, community organizations, and patients to ensure research addresses real-world needs and benefits diverse populations.

Recent Translational Achievements

• First-in-human trials of novel cancer immunotherapy developed in institutional laboratories
• FDA approval of diagnostic biomarker test for cardiovascular disease risk
• Implementation of pharmacogenomic testing into routine clinical care
• Development of wearable device for continuous glucose monitoring
• CAR-T cell therapy trials for refractory hematologic malignancies
• Gene therapy trials for inherited retinal diseases
• AI-based diagnostic tool for early detection of sepsis

Training and Education

We train the next generation of translational scientists through:

• Translational Science Training Programs - Interdisciplinary training in translational research methods
• KL2 Career Development Awards - Mentored career development for junior translational investigators
• Clinical Research Training - Programs for clinician-scientists conducting translational studies
• Regulatory Science Education - Training in FDA processes, GCP, and regulatory requirements
• Entrepreneurship Programs - Supporting commercialization and startup development

Funding and Support

Translational research programs are supported by:

• NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA)
• Disease-focused foundations and advocacy organizations
• Industry-sponsored research agreements
• Institutional pilot grants and gap funding
• Venture capital and angel investment for startups

Impact Metrics

Our translational research enterprise generates measurable impact:

• 15-20 IND applications filed annually
• 50+ active early-phase clinical trials
• 100+ patents issued over past five years
• 25+ technology licenses executed
• Multiple FDA-approved therapies originating from institutional research
• Startup companies launched based on discoveries

For more information: Contact the Office of Translational Research at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 555-0300, or visit the Translational Research Resources Portal for information about programs, funding, facilities, and collaboration opportunities.

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