Chevy Chase Clinical Research is the largest research program of its kind in the region. Established in 1996 as part of Affiliated Research Centers, it is now an independent research site within the Metropolitan Gastroenterology Group division.   More than 300 studies have been conducted in all areas of Gastroenterology and some areas of Internal Medicine.   Active clinical trials are summarized below.  If you think you may be a candidate for enrollment in one of our active clinical trials, please contact:

Jennifer Bell, RN, BS, CCRC
Research Manager 301-652-5520
jennifer.bell@capitaldigestivecare.com

Active Clinical Trials

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Hepatitis, Gastroparesis, C-Dif

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's Disease

We have multiple studies for Crohn’s disease. Patients need to have moderate to severe disease activity.  The medications vary from pills to intravenous (IV) infusions, and shots.  We are also doing a healthy adult donor stem cell study but you must have failed or be intolerant to all types of treatments and have only done one anti-TNF medication. 

Ulcerative Colitis

We have multiple studies for Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Patients need to have moderate to severe disease activity.   Medications range from healthy adult donor stem cells, intravenous (IV) infusions, and shots. We also have a study for UC patients, who are in remission. This study utilizes an approved medication  (Lialda).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Severe Diarrhea)

This is for women only with IBS-D who have severe diarrhea.  The medication is Lotronex.  The visits will go through your insurance and your insurance should pay for the medication. You will be given a discount card.

IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation)

This is a 4 week study of a medication that works in the GI tract with almost no absorption into the body.  The medication helps retain fluid in the colon, thereby increasing stool volume and stimulating colon movements.

Hepatitis

NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatits)

This is a one year study of a medication that has been used in Japan for 20 years for high cholesterol.  They are looking to get it approved in the USA for NASH.  You must have been diagnosed with NASH or your physician must think you may have NASH to be in this study.  The medication is basically highly purified fish oil that is taken 3 times a day.  You may receive a placebo (sugar pill in this study).   You will also be counseled on diet recommendations and exercises.  The sponsor of this study is Mochida.

Hepatitis C

For this study you must be diagnosed as having  Genotype 1 Hepatitis C for at least 6 months and have never been treated for it.  You will receive standard treatment for Hepatitis C along with a new medication, which is similar to the recently approved class of drugs, protease inhibitors, or placebo (sugar pill).  Standard treatment consists of Pegylated interferon and Ribavirin.   There is an extension study where you will receive the new medication for an extended period of time.  The sponsor of the study is Boehringer Ingelheim.

Gastroparesis

Diabetic Gastroparesis

This study is for Type 1 and II diabetics who have the symptoms of gastroparesis.  You may have gastroparesis if you have periodically a “full” feeling in your stomach after meals, vomiting and nausea for at least 3 months.  The study will test you to confirm that you do have gastroparesis.  The medication is an oral medication that helps with the movement of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).  The sponsor of the study is GlaxoSmith Kline.

C-Diff

This is study to prevent the re-occurrence of Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff) infection.  The medication is a non-toxic form of the bacterium that is believed to prevent the re-occurrence of the infection.  Must be your first exposure or the second within 6 months and you have to come in within 24 hours of finishing your treatment for the infection.  The sponsor of the study is Viropharma.