Conducting Clinical Trials During a Pandemic

This year the Kellogg Clinical Research Center (KCRC) has more than 56 active clinical trials. These trials include gene therapies, new drugs and devices for age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye and many other eye conditions. In addition to working on trials directly linked to vision and eye health, the KCRC supports other Michigan Medicine departments, providing expertise on the potential ophthalmic or visual side effects of treatments for non-vision related diseases, including cancer and genetic conditions. Many of our research coordinators even volunteered and assisted Michigan Medicine colleagues with COVID-19-related clinical studies during the early stages of the pandemic.

Lindsay Godsey, M.S., COA, CCRP, Clinical Research Project Manager

Due to state restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, non-urgent clinical trials were suspended in the spring of 2020, similar to clinical care. Facilities were remodeled and new equipment installed during this time, helping the KCRC remain state-of-the-art for investigators and patients.

As the coronavirus restrictions have been lifted, clinical study activity has continued to grow, notes Grant Comer, MD., M.S., KCRC’s Medical Director.