East Montgomery Times

Being part of a leading health system, patients now have the opportunity to participate in advanced clinical trials at their local hospital. The Department of Emergency Medicine has extended two clinical trials, ARREST pneumonia and Librexia stroke, to TUH-Jeanes Campus. These studies, already underway at TUH-Main Campus, are expanding to broaden participant pools and offer the latest treatments to more patients.

George Miller, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, emphasized the significance of TUH-Jeanes Campus as a prime academic medical center in Northeast Philadelphia, adding that these trials bring a high level of care close to home.

The ARREST pneumonia study, sponsored by The National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeks to understand how an inhaled corticosteroid and beta agonist can prevent acute respiratory failure in pneumonia patients. According to Nina Gentile, the Principal Investigator, expanding the trial to Jeanes was well-received by researchers at Stanford, the lead institution for the study.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals sponsors the Librexia stroke study, which is international and seeks significant US input. The trial focuses on whether milvexian, an oral anticoagulant, can reduce the risk of future strokes. Derek Isenberg, a professor involved in the study, noted its collaborative nature with the Neurology Department.

The trial expansion was motivated by the patient population at Jeanes Campus, which had a high incidence of pneumonia and stroke. Gentile stated that these treatments would significantly benefit these patients, following protocols established at the Main Campus.

Medication for the trials will be managed at Jeanes Campus, with respiratory therapists delivering drugs for the ARREST trial. Miller highlighted the importance of collaboration across campuses to maximize patient benefits and showcase the integrated power of the Health System.

Both trials aim to provide groundbreaking treatments, aligning with Temple Health's collaborative mission.