December 7, 2023

Profound Research and Michigan Healthcare Professionals Forge Path in Neurology: A Q&A with Dr. Esther Young

In the constantly evolving healthcare realm, the collaboration between Profound Research and Michigan Healthcare Professionals emerges as a source of notable progress, particularly within the field of Neurology. Dr. Esther Young, a highly respected neurologist at Michigan Healthcare Professionals, generously shares her experiences in clinical research, offering valuable insights into her motivations, successes, and the significant influence clinical research wields in shaping the future of medicine.

Quick Bio

Dr. Esther Young, D.O., is a highly respected neurologist with a focus on Neurology at Michigan Healthcare Professionals. Holding a certification in neurology, Dr. Young is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Young is a member of the President’s Council and holds the position of Stroke Director at Troy Beaumont Hospital, contributing her expertise to clinical research trials focused on multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and stroke. Furthermore, Dr. Young holds roles as an associate clinical professor at Michigan State University, Oakland University, and William Beaumont School of Medicine, while also serving as an assistant professor at the Wayne State School of Medicine.

Dr. Young supports various indications aligning with the needs of her patients, which include but are not limited to:

  • Migraine
  • Alzheimer
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Stroke

Find out more about Dr. Young in our Q&A below.

Q1: What led you to clinical research?

"I derive immense satisfaction from engaging in clinical research, driven by a profound fascination with the ever-evolving landscape of neurology. My passion for staying abreast of the cutting-edge developments in this field led me to embark on a journey into research. Specifically, my initial foray into research was motivated by a desire to assist patients in accessing information that was not yet widely available. This commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and providing patients with crucial insights has become a cornerstone of my research endeavors. Through this dual commitment, I not only contribute to the advancement of neurology but also strive to empower patients with information that can shape their healthcare journeys."

Q2: Do you have a particular success story that stuck with you?

"I have vivid recollections of a significant milestone in my clinical research journey, particularly involving Tysabri. Acquiring additional insights into the optimal duration of Tysabri treatment enabled me to advocate for extending the medication period for certain patients beyond conventional expectations. This experience highlighted the tangible impact that advanced information, gleaned through rigorous research, can have on patient care. It reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of clinical research, not only in expanding our knowledge base but also in directly influencing treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those under our care."

Q3: What would you want people to know about clinical research?

"Delving into the realm of clinical research is not just about individual benefit; it's a collective effort that extends far beyond personal advantages. While clinical research undeniably holds the potential to offer solutions and improvements at an individual level, its overarching impact is in shaping the very future of medicine. It serves as a cornerstone for medical progress, influencing protocols, treatment methodologies, and healthcare standards. By actively participating in and supporting clinical research, we contribute to a broader narrative—one that transcends our immediate circumstances and plays a pivotal role in defining the trajectory of medical advancements for generations to come."

Q4: What are some hobbies/interests of yours outside of clinical research?

"Beyond the intricacies of neurology and my involvement in clinical research, I find immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. I enjoy hanging out with my kids, cherishing precious moments of family time. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise into my routine not only helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle but also adds a dynamic balance to my professional pursuits. These personal interests not only rejuvenate my spirit but also contribute to the holistic approach I bring to both my family life and my role in advancing neurology through clinical research."

Contact Us

Join Profound in advancing novel therapies through community-based clinical trials. We champion diversity, recognizing its vital role in trial success. Our approach brings trials to patients in their own communities, facilitated by dedicated physicians like Dr. Young. If you seek support for your own studies from Dr. Young or any of our distinguished providers, take action today. Contact Profound at https://profoundresearch.com/sponsors.

November 20, 2023

Profound Research and Michigan Health Professionals Announce Clinical Research Partnership and Center of Excellence in Detroit

Detroit, MI – [Nov 20, 2023] – Profound Research (Profound), a leading clinical site network, and Michigan Health Professionals (MHP), a large multi-specialty medical group, today announced a clinical research partnership and the formation of a Clinical Research Center of Excellence in the Detroit metropolitan area.

The Center of Excellence will initially span five locations throughout the Detroit area and will be at the forefront of research in many therapeutic specialties including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and primary care. The partnership will give Profound access to MHP’s extensive network of physicians, and MHP will gain access to Profound’s expertise in patient recruitment, trial execution, and data management.

“We are thrilled to partner with Profound Research to form this Clinical Research Center of Excellence,” said Jeffrey Margolis, MD, President of Michigan Health Professionals. “This partnership will allow us to bring novel therapies to the Detroit community and help us advance the development of new treatments and cures. We are committed to working with Profound to provide our patients with the opportunity to participate in clinical trials that could lead to better treatments for their diseases.”

“The Profound-MHP Clinical Research Center of Excellence is a significant partnership that will unlock new care options to a diverse patient population, something very important to the Profound mission,” said Jonathan Feldstein, MD, President of Profound Research. “MHP is a leading provider of healthcare in the Detroit area, and we share a vision of bringing innovative medicines to support the improvement of patients’ lives in the community.”

This Center of Excellence launched its first sites in Detroit this year and is expecting to reach 10 sites by the end of 2024. Profound Research and MHP have partnered on several studies to date and look forward to launching several more in the coming months.

About Profound Research

Profound Research is an integrated clinical research network composed of trial sites embedded into independent physician practices.  Profound’s mission is to expand access to clinical research for patients in the community and give community physicians more therapeutic options.  Profound Research has locations across Southern California and in the Detroit metropolitan area and is expanding nationwide. The company has a team of experienced and dedicated research professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality clinical research support to physicians and their patients.

About Michigan Health Professionals

Michigan Health Professionals (MHP) is a large multi-specialty medical practice with over 500 physicians and a patient panel of nearly 1 million patients. MHP provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and surgery. MHP is committed to providing its patients with the highest quality care and improving access to care for patients in the community.

October 16, 2023

Groundbreaking treatment may be on the horizon for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, remains one of the most challenging and devastating health crises of our time. While we have made significant strides in understanding the disease, finding an effective treatment has proven elusive for decades. However, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of the Trailblazer clinical trial studying Donanemab, a monoclonal antibody developed to target Alzheimer's disease. In this blog, we will delve into the groundbreaking clinical trial, Donanemab's potential, and the vital role played by Profound Research Sites in advancing Alzheimer's research.

The Donanemab Clinical Trial

Donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly, is a monoclonal antibody designed to target a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease—amyloid plaques. Amyloid plaques are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, contributing to cognitive decline and memory loss. Donanemab seeks to remove these plaques, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

The Phase 2 clinical trial for Donanemab, often referred to as the "Trailblazer" trial, has garnered significant attention and excitement in the Alzheimer's research community. This study, which began in 2017, involves multiple research sites across the United States and around the globe.

Changing the Landscape of Alzheimer's Treatment

Donanemab is changing the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment in several significant ways:

1. Targeting the Root Cause: Donanemab is one of the first Alzheimer's treatments to directly target amyloid plaques, which are believed to play a central role in the development and progression of the disease. By removing these plaques, Donanemab aims to slow down or potentially reverse cognitive decline.

2. Promising Early Results: Preliminary results from the Trailblazer trial have been promising. According to data presented by Eli Lilly, patients who received Donanemab experienced a significant reduction in cognitive decline compared to the placebo group. This suggests that Donanemab may indeed be a game-changer in Alzheimer's treatment.

3. Hope for Delaying Progression: If Donanemab proves to be effective in larger clinical trials and gains approval from regulatory authorities, it could offer hope to millions of Alzheimer's patients and their families by providing a means to delay the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Profound Research Sites' Contribution

Profound Research Sites, a network of research facilities dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments, has played a crucial role in the Donanemab clinical trial:

1. Enrolling Participants: One of the biggest challenges in Alzheimer's clinical trials is recruiting enough participants. Profound Research Sites have been instrumental in recruiting and enrolling patients in the Donanemab trial, ensuring that the study's findings are based on a diverse and representative sample of participants.

2. Providing Expertise: Profound Research Sites consist of experienced healthcare professionals and researchers who specialize in Alzheimer's disease. Their expertise in patient care and data collection has been invaluable in ensuring the smooth execution of the trial.

3. Advancing Alzheimer's Research: By actively participating in the Donanemab clinical trial, Profound Research Sites contribute to advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the potential efficacy of Donanemab. Their dedication to research is helping bring us closer to effective treatments and a cure for this devastating condition.

The Trailblazer clinical trial represents a beacon of hope in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. As we await the results of larger-scale trials, the early success of Donanemab in targeting amyloid plaques offers a glimmer of hope for millions affected by this devastating condition. The commitment and expertise of research organizations like Profound Research are instrumental in driving progress and changing the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment.

While there is still much work to be done, this clinical trial reminds us that with dedication, collaboration, and innovation, we can make significant strides in our quest to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, and bring relief to those who suffer from it.

Learn more about Profound Research sites and how they are contributing to Alzheimer’s research and a multitude of other therapeutic areas. Visit profoundresearch.com or email info@profoundresearch.io to learn more.

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