Mission
At Sharlin Health Neuroscience Research Center, we recognize that neurological diseases are becoming a growing epidemic. Thus, through our neurology clinical trials, we strive to discover and provide new, integrative treatments and technology to restore and regenerate every patient’s health and life.
Research is to see what everyone else has seen, and think what no one else has thought.
– Albert Szent-Györgyi
Clinical Trials
Current:
COMB157G2399
- An extension Multiple Sclerosis study for a Disease Modifying Therapy.
- An open-label, single arm, multi-center extension study evaluation long-term safety, tolerability and effectiveness of ofatumumab in subjects with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Protocol 4800
- A single or multiple visit protocol for collection of DNA/RNA/SERUM/PLASMA/CSF in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and related disorders.
EFC16035
- A Multiple Sclerosis study for a Disease Modifying Therapy.
- Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Efficacy and Safety Study Comparing SAR442168 to Placebo in Participants with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
17-AVP-786-205
- Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AVP-786 (deudextromethorphan hydrobromide [d6-DM]/quinidine sulfate [Q]) for the treatment of neurobehavioral disinhibition including aggression, agitation, and irritability in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
BHV3000-311
- Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, group sequential, placebo-controlled study to assess efficacy and safety of rimegepant for the treatment of migraine (with or without aura) in adolescents.
Protocol 8200
- A multiple visit, longitudinal collection and banking of DNA/RNA/SERUM/ PLASMA/CSF/URINE in normal donors.
COMB157G2399 Vaccination Sub-Study
- A sub-study to evaluate the effects of ofatumumab subcutaneous treatment on the immune responses following vaccination in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Past:
COMB157G2301
- A Multiple Sclerosis study for a Disease Modifying Therapy.
- A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study comparing the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab versus teriflunomide in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
COMB157G2102
- A Multiple Sclerosis study for a Disease Modifying Therapy.
- A 12 week randomized open label parallel group multicenter study to evaluate bioequivalence of 20mg subcutaneous ofatumumab injected by pre-filled syringe or autoinjector in adult RMS patients.
CFTY720DUS40
- A Multiple Sclerosis study for a Disease Modifying Therapy.
- A 12-Month, prospective, multicenter, two-cohort, nonrandomized, open-label study in adult patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS), to investigate changes in immune phenotype biomarkers after treatment with 0.5mg fingolimod (FTY720).
Tenant Clinical Study
- A device study for improving the healing process in chronic wounds.
- Microcurrent as an adjunct therapy in wound healing and reducing pain in patients with chronic wounds.
MDA702-PD
- A retrospective observational study on Parkinson’s disease patients with motor fluctuations.
STUDY PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was diagnosed with MS in 2004 and was so tired of the medications that I was prescribed. Having to do a shot every other day is bad enough, but knowing that I was going to feel sick every other day was worse. And, I never felt better. I felt level, but when level wasn’t great, that just isn’t great overall. I joined the Clinical Trial for Ofatumumab in September of 2018. I thank God for giving people the knowledge to make a medication that actually improves this horrible disease. My MRIs were improved every time. I went from having over 20 lesions to less than 10. I have so much more energy and feel more ‘normal’ than I have in years. “
“Physically I was going downhill fast. I had been officially diagnosed with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in December of 2017 and I had progressed from pain to depending on a cane (& walker at home). Dr. Sharlin said they a clinical trial but they already had enough people. At my next visit, Dr. Sharlin said they had a new clinical trial coming up comparing auto injectors to injections. I met Shawna that day and she took a huge chance on me. I carried my cane on the walking part of the fitness test, and it was almost easier to get blood from a turnip than me. After my first injection, I hurt all over, even inside my ears and I thought I had made a huge mistake … After that visit I started getting better. Every step of the way Shawna and Mikhayla took superb care of me. They always addressed any of my concerns and always made my health a priority. I haven’t used a cane or walker in over two years. (Almost 3). My lesions in my brain have reduced in number and for the first time in a long time I feel HOPE. I am so incredibly grateful to Shawna and Mikhayla. I feel they have in total honest SAVED MY LIFE!”
Information Form
WHY PARTICIPATE IN OUR SPRINGFIELD NEUROLOGY CLINICAL TRIALS:
The Need that Inspires Our Research
- Neurological diseases impact an estimated 100 million people every year, according to the American Neurological Association.
- In 2015, a study found that Neurological diseases are the largest cause of disability worldwide.
- As of 2014, a study of the 9 most common neurological diseases in the US revealed the overall cost is about $789 billion.
- Our Springfield neurology clinical trials are designed to understand these neurological diseases more so we can reduce their negative impact on peoples’ lives.
Safety in Clinical Research
Potential Risks
- It may cause side effects or may not work for you.
- You may not get the new experimental treatment.
How You Are Protected
- Frequent visits to monitor symptoms and side effects.
- Careful study plan, or protocol, that describes exactly what will happen in the study.
- You will have an Informed Consent which tells you exactly what to expect in the study. A Springfield neurology clinical trial team member will go over each page of the consent and answer any questions you or your family members might have. You will be asked to sign this consent and the Principal Investigator will sign as well and you will receive a copy. Signing the Informed Consent just indicates you understand the details and want to participate in the study. You may revoke this consent at any time for any reason.
- An Institutional Review Board is made up of doctors, scientists, and lay people like yourself, and they make sure every study in the United States does not expose the participants to any unnecessary risks.
- The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee is made up of experts in your condition, and they monitor the results of the study throughout. If it is harmful or not effective, they stop the study immediately.
Benefits
- The treatments are free.
- The access to the medical care in regards to the condition covered in the trial are free, with few exceptions.
- Participants of our neurology clinical trials near Springfield often get paid for their participation.
Clinical Research Team
Dr. Sharlin
Principal Investigator
Ken Sharlin, M.D., M.P.H., IFMCP, is a board-certified neurologist, consultant, functional medicine doctor, Assistant Clinical Professor, researcher, author, and speaker near Springfield. His medical degrees are from Emory University, The University of Virginia, and Vanderbilt University. His functional medicine certification is through The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is author of the #1 best-seller The Healthy Brain Toolbox: Neurologist-Proven Strategies to Improve Memory Loss and Protect Your Aging Brain. His most recent publication, Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients, can be found in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alzheimer’s & Parkinsonism, and he has been the primary investigator in several pharma-sponsored clinical trials that have helped bring new therapeutics to market. Dr. Sharlin practices general neurology, and directs his functional medicine program, Brain Tune Up!, in Ozark, MO.
Dr. Luke Van Kirk
Luke Van Kirk was born and raised in middle America from as far north as St. Paul, down to Olathe, and south to New Orleans. But he has been a continuous resident of the Greater Springfield, Missouri, area since 2012 and lived here during his college years at Evangel University between 2003 and 2007. He is board-certified in Family Practice and is the owner-physician of Command Family Medicine. A direct primary care practice, Command offers not only an innovative model for the delivery of primary care but many services not often found in the traditional office setting. In addition to his osteopathic medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, where he graduated in 2012, Dr. Van Kirk has a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He has been a licensed practitioner in Missouri since 2012 and a sub-investigator in clinical trials with Sharlin Health and Neurology since 2020.
Dr. Robert ‘Scott’ Duff
Robert “Scott” Duff is a board-certified neurologist who has provided his expertise to thousands in need in southwest Missouri since the late 1990s. Currently, Dr. Duff is an independent practitioner based at the Mercy Carthage Specialty Clinic. Recognized as an outstanding neurologist, Dr. Duff is particularly passionate about acute stroke care and stroke prevention. He provides up to 96 hours per month on telestroke duty for acute stroke and has been the Director of the Stroke Center of Mercy Hospital (2013-2018) and CoxHealth Stroke Center (1997-2012). His research experience has also extended into the area of stroke. He was the site principal investigator in the SPARCL Protocol, which evaluated atorvastatin in the prevention of cerebrovascular events in patients with previous TIA or stroke. He was also an investigator in both the CREST 2 and POINT studies, affiliated with the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke. Dr. Duff is a diplomate of the American Academy of Neurology and a member of the American Society of Neurosonology and American Heart Association. He has been the author or co-author of four peer-reviewed articles, including his 1998 publication in the journal Neurology, entitled, “Mechanical ventilation for ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, indications, timing, and outcome.”
Shawna Tindall
Clinical Research Manager
Shawna has over 11 years of experience in the nursing field in areas such as family medicine, ob/gyn, med-surgical medicine, cardiology, home health, and has been in Clinical Research for the last 4 years. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She obtained her Associate’s Degree in nursing from Keiser University. She also holds certifications in Advanced IV Therapy and Phlebotomy Techniques, Research, and Medical Assisting and is a certified MoCA and CDR rater along with many other diagnostic rating scales. Shawna is currently going back to school to complete her nurse practitioner studies.
Mikhayla Hamilton
Clinical Research Assistant
Mikhayla Hamilton is a clinical research assistant, and is currently finishing her bachelor of science in psychology, and will then begin a program to receive her doctorate in neuropsychology. Her specific areas of interest include traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and mirror neurons. She is a Nationally Registered Certified Phlebotomy Technician with certifications in IV therapy and advanced phlebotomy techniques. She has several other certifications, including in dementia rating, the neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire, and in co-occurring disorders.
