To translate laboratory based discoveries by performing clinical trials on musculoskeletal diseases and other degenerative diseases of aging with the goal of developing both prevention and treatment strategies for these diseases.

The goal of this clinical research core is to perform clinical trials to evaluate new therapies (both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical based) for musculoskeletal diseases of aging and other degenerative diseases of aging that impair function.

GIOP Study
UC Davis researchers are actively seeking men and women taking low doses of steroid medications who may have low bone density to participate in a study of the potential benefits of two drugs, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and Risedronate, on steroid-induced osteoporosis. The primary objective of the study is to determine if these medications can work better together to improve bone mass than either therapy alone. To be eligible for the study, subjects must be aged 18 or older, currently taking prednisone or another steroid medication, have low bone density or osteoporosis (thin, fragile bones) and not be taking any medications to treat osteoporosis. Other qualifications will apply.
Potential study subjects will have a bone scan (dual x-ray absorptiometry measurements, or DEXA) of the spine and hip at the screening visit. Subjects who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited back for a baseline visit. Enrolled participants will be required to make 11 visits to the General Medicine Research Clinic at UC Davis Medical Center. Subjects will receive study-related tests and medications, such as bone scans, blood tests and a physical examination, at no cost.  In addition, all study subjects will receive supplemental calcium citrate and vitamin D during the two-year study. Those who complete the study will receive up to $120.  For more information, call (916) 734-3219 or send an e-mail to suzanne.codoni-schmitt@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu and include your phone number.

Knee Osteoarthritis
UC Davis researchers are actively seeking men and women with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee to participate in a study of the potential benefits of research drug called RN624. The primary objective of the study is to determine if this medication can reduce the pain caused from osteoarthritis.  To be eligible for the study, subjects must be aged 40 - 75 and have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee with x-ray confirmation.  Subjects must not be using a assistive walking device and meet at least one of the following: unwilling to take non-opiate pain medications, or for whom non-opiate pain medications have failed, or are candidates for or seeking invasive interventions such as intraarticular injections, knee arthroplasty, or total knee surgery.  Other qualifications will apply.
Potential study subjects will have a screening visit that includes a physical, labs, and questionnaires.  Subjects who meet the inclusion criteria will be asked to stop all medications used for pain due to osteoarthritis.  Enrolled participants will be required to make 11 visits to the General Medicine Research Clinic at UC Davis Medical Center over a 6-month time frame. Subjects will receive study-related tests and medications, such as rescue medications, blood tests and physical examinations, at no cost.  Those who complete the study will receive up to $600.  For more information, call (916) 734-3219 or send an e-mail to suzanne.codoni-schmitt@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu and include your phone number.