DFC Research

Overview

DFC Research is committed to cutting-edge research and new discoveries that advance the art and science of medicine for future generations. One of the great benefits that we make available to our patients is access to the latest prevention and treatment protocols. We work closely with physicians to explore patient eligibility, and work with patients and their families through the informed consent process, ensuring they fully understand the details of their trial. By participating in these trials, patients not only gain access to the latest treatments and technologies, but they also receive quality medical care and monitoring. Patients also have the satisfaction of helping to advance the future of medical treatment as new knowledge from clinical trials is transformed into the standard of care for the future.

Value to Sponsors

Our rich database of patients presents invaluable opportunities for sponsors of clinical trials. DFC Research is keen to work with sponsor companies to set up their clinical trial programs within the institution. We are continually searching for new trials/studies to offer our patients and the community. Our staff is trained in the clinical trial process, FDA Regulations, ICH GCPS, and all applicable ethical guidelines for clinical studies. Contact us today to discuss how we can advance your clinical trial program.

DFC Research

Divine Foot Care Center, Inc.
2000 Esters Road, Suite 104
Hurst, Texas 75061-9580

Areas of Expertise

  • Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
  • Bunion
  • Diabetic Foot Ulcers
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Ischemic Foot Ulcers
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases
  • Skin Infections/Disorders
  • Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
  • Varicose Veins
  • Venous Leg Ulcers
  • Warts

About Clinical Trials

Q: What is a Clinical Trial?

A: When a promising, new, potentially therapeutic compound has been identified, the first step in turning it into a drug is preclinical testing which usually takes from one to six years during which researchers determine what the drug is good for, the appropriate dose, and its potential side effects. Depending on the data gleaned from this testing, research is either abandoned or the potentially therapeutic compound moves on to clinical trials. A clinical trial is a carefully designed study that involves people who volunteer to receive investigational treatments under close supervision by a physician and other research professionals. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have developed these treatments. These companies have then selected physicians, also called investigators, who are qualified to conduct clinical trials. It is through these trials that investigational drugs may show their benefits.

 Q: What can I expect?

A: A clinical trial is a carefully designed study that involves people who volunteer to receive investigational treatments under close supervision by a physician and other research professionals. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have developed these treatments. These companies have then selected physicians, also called investigators, who are qualified to conduct clinical trials. It is through these trials that investigational drugs may show their benefits. The clinical testing of an investigational drug is a step-by-step process that ensures you receive careful medical attention. All clinical trials are reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). IRBs are independent committees whose job is to make sure that the patients’ rights are fully protected and that they are not exposed to any unnecessary risks. IRBs also are responsible for ensuring that subjects sign a consent form before agreeing to participate in a trial.

Clinical trials usually are conducted in three phases (I, II, III). A small number of people participate in Phase I trials. Each latter phase involves a larger number of people. In a clinical trial, a volunteer is usually assigned a specific study group. Sometimes volunteers in one study group will receive an investigational treatment or study drug. Sometimes volunteers will receive a placebo or a treatment already available. A placebo is an inactive product used as a basis of comparison for the results of the study drug. You, your physician, and your research staff may not know who is receiving a placebo and who is not. In this way, volunteers in a clinical trial can be observed by the physician and research staff more fairly. Whether you receive the placebo or the investigational drug, the level of medical attention and care that you receive is the same.

Each year, thousands of people volunteer to participate in clinical drug studies. Benefits that you may receive as a volunteer include:

Helping in the research process to develop new therapies receiving cutting-edge medical care from physicians during the study education about your medical condition and networking with other people with similar conditions compensation for your time and travel

 Q: What happens after a trial?

A: Phase I trials are small-scale tests of the safety of a drug. About 20 to 100 healthy volunteers take different dosages so researchers can learn how the human body absorbs and eliminates the drug, and identify any potential side effects. If the potential benefits of the new drug are deemed to outweigh the side effects that turn up in Phase I trials, USFDA allows it to proceed to Phase II. Phase II clinical trials are longer, larger-scale versions of Phase I trials. Researchers recruited patients with the condition they are using the new drug to treat. They give them varying doses of the drug to identify the dosage/effectiveness ratio. Phase II trials typically run for about two years. While they primarily focus on effectiveness and dosage, the side effects of the drug are still being closely observed and documented. If the new drug appears to be effective at a practical dose without side effects or with minimally toxic side effects, the sponsor will proceed to Phase III trials.

By the time a drug reaches Phase III trials, researchers have reasonable expectations regarding the safety, appropriate dosage and effectiveness of the new drug on a given condition. The Phase III trials are typically conducted for two to four years usually involving the participation of several thousand individuals in trials at various medical centers around the country. After completion of Phase III trials, the pharmaceutical company that has sponsored these clinical trials, submits its findings to USFDA. USFDA then approves or denies the drug for use, or indicates a requirement for further testing and resubmission prior to approval.

 Q: Why do patients become involved in Research Studies?

A: People participate in medical research studies for various reasons. Often, they are seeking alternatives to the current treatment options available to them for their medical conditions. Patients participating in medical research studies have access to medications long before they become available to the general public. Many research participants take part in medical studies due to relationships they have built with study coordinators and physicians. Patients appreciate the close medical care they receive in a medical research study and enjoy attending the study visits at the research center.

Research studies also include volunteers who want to advance the process of medical research. Patients who feel frustrated and helpless with their current treatment want to participate in finding new ones. By contributing their time to the research study, their participation helps form medical opinions for years to come.