Long Beach

Researchers are studying a treatment called MK-2214 to see if it can slow certain brain changes in people with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a form of dementia that causes memory loss, difficulties with communication, and challenges in decision-making, which affect daily activities. The study aims to find out if MK-2214 can slow the spread of tau protein in the brain compared to a placebo and to assess the safety and tolerability of MK-2214. Participants will receive either MK-2214 or a placebo through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The study is designed as a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with parallel groups. The treatment period lasts up to about 23 months, during which participants will receive infusions as scheduled. The placebo looks like the study treatment but contains no active drug, helping researchers understand the treatment's effects. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for changes in tau protein levels in the brain using PET scans and for any adverse events or side effects. Researchers will track the number of participants experiencing adverse events and those who stop treatment because of them, with safety follow-up lasting up to approximately 26 months. Participants will also undergo brain imaging such as CT, PET, or MRI scans. The study involves regular assessments to measure the treatment's impact and ensure participant safety over the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of enicepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, for managing weight in adults with obesity or overweight who also have Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This Phase III study compares multiple doses of enicepatide to a placebo to understand its impact on weight loss in this population. Participants receive either enicepatide or a placebo once weekly through an integrated drug-device combination. The study uses a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to assess the effects of the treatment. The placebo is volume-matched and administered using the same method as the active drug. During the study, participants will have their body weight changes measured up to week 72 to assess efficacy. Researchers will monitor weight changes as the primary outcome. Participants must be able to self-administer the injections or receive them from a trained individual, and their safety and adherence will be observed throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of trontinemab in people aged 50 to 90 with early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to mild dementia. This Phase III clinical trial focuses on those who show evidence of Alzheimer's pathology and have a recent history of cognitive decline. The study aims to measure changes in cognitive function over 72 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either intravenous trontinemab or a placebo. The trial is designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who receives the active drug or placebo. The treatment period lasts up to 72 weeks, during which participants will undergo various assessments to monitor their cognitive status and safety. During the study, participants will complete clinical tests including cognitive assessments and imaging such as MRI, PET scans, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis to confirm Alzheimer's pathology. A study partner will assist participants as needed. Researchers will track changes from the start of the study through week 72 using tools like the Clinical Dementia Rating. Safety monitoring and adherence to study procedures will also be closely observed throughout the trial.

Researchers are evaluating a culturally-tailored, home-based physical activity program designed to improve physical fitness in Hispanic or Latino/Latina adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors. These survivors may face long-term effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and reduced fitness after cancer treatment, with Hispanic or Latino/Latina individuals potentially at higher risk. The study aims to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) through a mobile health and social media intervention. The study has two stages. Stage 1 involves developing the intervention using feedback from 20 Latinx survivors who speak either English or Spanish. Stage 2 is a randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention group with a control group that only uses a Fitbit tracker. The intervention group receives Fitbit trackers, weekly reminders, goal-setting sessions, social media peer support 2-3 times a week, badges, monthly Zoom meetings, and may choose a physical activity partner who also receives support. After 12 weeks, a 4-week maintenance phase continues these supports with less structure. The control group wears a Fitbit daily for 12 weeks without additional support. Participants wear Fitbit trackers daily, attend weekly sessions, post on social media, and complete interviews and questionnaires. Researchers measure changes in physical activity levels, sedentary time, quality of life, and cardiometabolic health indicators. Data is collected using Fitbit devices, interviews, and surveys, with follow-up over 12 weeks plus maintenance. Safety and acceptability of the intervention are also assessed throughout the study.

Researchers are evaluating whether the drugs retatrutide and tirzepatide can prevent major adverse liver outcomes (MALO) in adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who are at high risk. This Phase 3 trial enrolls about 4,500 adults with MASLD identified by non-invasive tests indicating an increased likelihood of developing serious liver problems. The study aims to understand how these treatments might affect liver health over time compared to a placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either retatrutide, tirzepatide, or a placebo, all given by subcutaneous injection. The study will last approximately 224 weeks, during which participants may attend 25 to 30 clinic visits for monitoring and assessment. After the main study, eligible participants can join an optional 2-year extension where all will receive either retatrutide or tirzepatide regardless of their original group. Throughout the trial, participants’ liver function and disease progression will be closely monitored through various health assessments. Researchers will track the time to the first major adverse liver event as the main outcome. Safety and health status will be evaluated regularly during clinic visits, ensuring thorough observation over the long study period.

This research investigates how using cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed, or THC) affects the quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma who are undergoing chemotherapy. It aims to compare the experiences of cannabis users and non-users, focusing on potential benefits and harms related to cannabis use. The study uses specific tools like the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Multiple Myeloma (FACT-MM) and symptom assessments to better understand these effects over time. Participants are divided into two groups. One group completes surveys and provides blood samples regularly throughout the study, while healthcare providers complete separate surveys about their care practices. This observational study does not involve giving any new treatments but monitors patients receiving their usual cancer-directed therapies, including any cannabis use. During the study, patients complete questionnaires about their quality of life and symptoms, and medical professionals assess any side effects. The study measures outcomes over up to one year, tracking changes in quality of life and any therapeutic benefits or adverse effects linked to cannabis. Researchers monitor these factors through patient reports and medical evaluations to better understand the impact of cannabis in this patient group.

Researchers are working to improve the non-invasive detection of bladder cancer (BCa) by validating a new multiplex ELISA assay that targets a BCa-associated diagnostic signature in urine samples. This study focuses on patients who have microscopic hematuria, a common early sign of bladder cancer, which is often missed by current urine tests. Early detection is crucial as about 8% of patients with microscopic hematuria actually have bladder cancer, and current urine tests fail to detect many low-grade or early-stage cases. The study plans to collect voided urine samples from patients with microscopic hematuria and analyze them using the multiplex ELISA assay. The assay's accuracy will be compared against cystoscopy, an invasive procedure where a camera is inserted into the bladder to detect cancer. This approach aims to validate a less invasive, urine-based test that could reduce the need for cystoscopy in the future. Participants will be monitored over one year to confirm the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA assay through comparison with cystoscopy results. Researchers will evaluate urine samples and perform necessary imaging and cystoscopy as part of the hematuria evaluation. Throughout the study, participants will provide informed consent and undergo assessments to ensure accurate diagnosis and safety. The total participation time includes initial urine testing and follow-up assessments to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the new assay.

Researchers are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of VX-522 in people aged 18 to 65 with cystic fibrosis who have specific genetic mutations that do not respond to current CFTR modulator therapies. This Phase 1/2 study focuses on participants with stable cystic fibrosis and particular CFTR gene mutations that result in little or no CFTR protein production. Participants will receive VX-522 through oral inhalation using a nebulizer. The study includes dose escalation to assess safety and tolerability. Another drug, IVA, is provided as a tablet for oral use. The study timeline includes an 8-week period during which safety and adverse events are closely monitored. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including lung function tests such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Safety is measured by recording any adverse events or serious adverse events from day 1 through week 8. Eligibility requires stable health status and specific lung function criteria. Participant weight and body mass index are also considered to ensure suitability for the study.

Researchers are evaluating zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy to treat people with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. This Phase 2 study focuses on patients with Stage II or III invasive breast carcinoma that is confirmed to be HER2-positive. The purpose is to assess the safety and effectiveness of this combination treatment before surgery. Participants receive zanidatamab and chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab, all administered intravenously. After completing neoadjuvant therapy, participants agree to undergo either a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. The study is open-label and conducted at multiple centers. During the study, researchers monitor the participants' response by measuring the number who achieve a pathological complete response within 8 months. They also ensure participants have adequate organ function, track heart function with imaging, and evaluate treatment safety. Participants are regularly assessed to support study goals and monitor any side effects.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of KarXT combined with KarX-EC in adults aged 55 to 90 who have agitation related to Alzheimer's Disease. This phase 3 study aims to better understand how these treatments impact agitation symptoms in this population by comparing them to a placebo group. Participants must have a confirmed Alzheimer's diagnosis and meet specific criteria for agitation severity to join the study. Participants will receive either the Xanomeline/Trospium Chloride Capsule, Xanomeline Enteric Capsule, or a placebo, each given at specified doses on designated days. The study is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled to ensure reliable comparison of treatment effects. The treatment period lasts through Week 14, during which dosing schedules are closely followed. Throughout the study, participants will be regularly assessed using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory-International Psychogeriatric Association (CMAI-IPA) to measure changes in agitation levels from baseline to Week 14. Caregivers will provide reports on participant status and help ensure medication compliance. Safety and symptom changes will be carefully monitored to evaluate the treatments' effects during this period.