Page 50 - August 2016 Life In Naples Magazine
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CLINICAL TRIALS
by Jaclyn L. Kovach, M.D. evaluate new treatments.The new treatments are hoped to be more effective than current treatments.
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Jaclyn Kovach, MD has pioneered the acquisition of industry-sponsored trials to our Naples
I n an effort to bring the latest facility as principal investigator for several age-related macular degeneration (AMD) trials.Currently
in scientific and technological we are recruiting patients for an observational study that will teach us more about how the dry
advances to our Naples patients, AMD progresses. We will soon begin patient recruitment for a clinical trial that will investigate the
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at efficacy of a new, longer lasting treatment for wet AMD and a third study which will investigate
Naples has established a clinical a new eye drop for the treatment of wet AMD.
trials center that conducts industry-
sponsored and National Eye Since 2008, Dr. Stephen Schwartz and Dr. Jaclyn Kovach have been enrolling hundreds
Institute-sponsored trials. A clinical of interested patients with age-related macular degeneration in the Genomic Architecture of
trial is a research program conducted Progression and Treatment Response in AMD trial, sponsored by the National Eye Institute
with patients to evaluate a new in collaboration with the Hussman Institute of Human Genomics at the University of Miami,
medical treatment or device. The Miller School of Medicine. The goal of this trial has been to identify the many genetic
purpose of clinical trials is to find new (hereditary) risk factors for AMD and learn about the role they play in the progression of
and improved methods of treating, AMD and in response to treatment.
preventing, screening for, and
diagnosing different diseases. During We invite individuals with age-related macular degeneration who are interested in learning
a clinical trial, doctors use the best more about participating in our trials to contact our study coordinator, Paula Dear, at the Bascom
available treatment as a standard to Palmer Eye Institute at Naples 239.659.3962.
50 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2016
