Gastroenterology Clinical Trials in California - Advancing Research and the Future of Care

At FOMAT Medical Research, our mission is to pioneer advancements in gastroenterology. Clinical trials are at the heart of our efforts, playing a pivotal role in developing new treatments and preventative strategies for gastrointestinal conditions. Through dedicated research and innovative approaches, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients worldwide.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. It encompasses the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This field is crucial for addressing the complex issues of digestive health, impacting millions of lives each year.

Impact of Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastrointestinal conditions, ranging from chronic diseases like IBD to life-threatening cancers, significantly affect individuals' health and well-being. The widespread impact of these disorders underscores the urgent need for continued research and the development of more effective treatments.

Target Conditions in Clinical Trials

Overview of Conditions:

Our clinical trials target a range of gastrointestinal disorders, including:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Gastrointestinal Cancers
  • Hepatitis
  • Pancreatitis

Importance of Research:

Through our clinical trials, we seek to improve treatment outcomes and offer new hope to patients suffering from these conditions. Each study brings us closer to understanding how best to manage, treat, and eventually cure these digestive diseases.

Women suffering Gastroenterolical Issue in Pain
Man suffering Gastroenterolical Issue in Pain

Challenges in Gastroenterology

Current Issues:

The path to effective treatment is fraught with challenges such as diagnostic delays, treatment resistance, and the limited availability of therapeutic options. Furthermore, ensuring patient adherence to treatment regimens remains a significant hurdle. Addressing these challenges is essential for advancing gastrointestinal healthcare.

Understanding Gastrointestinal Disorders

Symptoms:

Symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders vary widely, from abdominal pain and discomfort to more severe signs like weight loss and bleeding. Recognizing these symptoms early is key to diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Gastrointestinal disorders can be caused by a multitude of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention and management.

Complications:

Without early detection and proper treatment, gastrointestinal disorders can lead to serious complications, affecting patients' quality of life and increasing healthcare costs.

What are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies conducted with human participants to assess the efficacy and safety of medical, surgical, or behavioral interventions. They serve as the foundational method for determining the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, including medications, dietary plans, or medical devices. Within the field of gastroenterology conditions, clinical trials investigate novel approaches for treatment, diagnosis, and a deeper understanding of various digestive diseases. Participation in a clinical trial provides an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medical science and potentially access cutting-edge treatments before they become widely accessible to the public.

Why Participate in Clinical Trials?

Participating in clinical trials offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows access to new treatments for gastroenterology conditions that are not yet available to the public, potentially leading to personal health improvements when standard treatments have been ineffective. Additionally, participants contribute critical information that aids researchers in better understanding these conditions, driving progress in their management and care. By taking part in a clinical trial, individuals contribute to the creation of new medical interventions that may enhance the wellbeing of future patients. Furthermore, clinical trials typically ensure that participants receive thorough monitoring from healthcare professionals, providing an extra level of medical attention.

Our Active Studies

  • Oxnard, Santa Maria

    NASH/MASH

    Participating in this clinical trial can help improve treatments for a liver condition called MASH/NASH, which causes liver damage. The study is testing a new medicine to see if it can help improve liver health for people with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis.

    Criteria & Qualifications: • Must be 18 years or older.
    • Diagnosed with MASH/NASH and have moderate to advanced liver fibrosis.
    • Cannot join if you have other liver diseases or a history of chronic alcohol use.

    Compensation: Contact us for more information

    Read more
  • Oxnard, Santa Maria

    NASH

    Help us improve treatment options for people with NASH and related health conditions. This clinical trial is studying a once-monthly therapy to reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health in diverse populations.

    Criteria & Qualifications: • Adults diagnosed with NASH.
    • Includes people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
    • Open to individuals seeking better liver and metabolic health management.

    Compensation: Contact us for more information

    Read more
  • Camarillo, Oxnard

    Ulcerative Colitis

    Ulcerative Colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), leads to inflammation, ulcers, and stomach discomfort. We are currently running a clinical study to test the effectiveness and safety of a new Alfa Induction Therapy for individuals suffering from Ulcerative Colitis.

    Criteria & Qualifications: • Must be 18 years old or above.
    • Recently diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis within the past 3 months.
    • Agreeable to submit medical history documentation.

    Compensation: Contact us for more information

    Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of a clinical trial varies depending on several factors, such as the type of illness and the type of medicine being researched. For example, if the study is researching a treatment for a chronic condition, participants’ progress on the trial may be tracked over a relatively long period of time. Studies of antibiotics on the other-hand conclude quickly as patients are typically treated on study for a few days only.

Source: Novartis

Depending on the study and the study process, in some cases, you will have to keep track of your process, in other cases you will not, but you will have the support and guidance of the research team.

As a research participant, you have the right to drop out of a study at anytime, the right to be given new information about the study, and the right to ask questions at anytime and have them answered promptly.

Yes. Although the purpose of the study is not to treat an individual for any health condition, a study may involve clinical procedures such as an MRI, blood tests, hearing tests, etc. In order to complete these and other tests, the researcher must know the volunteer's general state of health to ensure his or her safety during the clinical study process.

 

No, you do not have to be a US citizen to participate in a clinical trial. We also do not ask for your social security number. All we ask is that you have a physical address and some form of ID that we can use during the enrollment process.

Sure, you can refer any friend or family member who is willing to participate in a study, for more information click here!

Who is FOMAT Medical Research?

FOMAT Medical Research is California's largest research site network, dedicated to advancing clinical research and improving patient outcomes. With an extensive network of research sites and a relentless commitment to innovating healthcare through diversity, FOMAT Medical Research collaborates with industry Sponsors and CROs to accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies across multiple therapeutic areas. FOMAT is a founding member of hyperCORE International, a super network of fully professionalized research site organizations.

FOMAT's Role in Gastroenterology Research

We are currently involved in several groundbreaking clinical trials aimed at finding better treatments for gastrointestinal conditions. Our research efforts continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in digestive health care.

Meet Our Experts

Karen Simon, M.D.

Karen Simon, MD

Gastroenterologist
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Camarillo & Oxnard, CA
Elias Tarakji, MD

Elias A. Tarakji, MD

Gastroenterologist
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Arcadia, CA
Keval Shah, D.O.

Dr. Keval Shah, DO

Gastroenterologist
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Santa Maria, CA