Local research group studies treatments for a wide range of neurological conditions

Nova Scotia-based research group, True North Clinical Research (now called Centricity Research), is well-known in the community for their work with different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. They are also involved in research related to treatments for a range of neurological conditions, including movement disorders like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease as well as migraines.

Research Continues into Movement Disorders

Both Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are considered progressive neurological movement disorders, which means that they are brain related conditions that cause difficulties with movement that become more severe over time. Huntington’s disease affects specific nerve cells in the basal ganglia (a group of structures found deep within the cerebral hemispheres responsible primarily for motor control, as well as other roles such as motor learning, executive functions and behaviors, and emotions.), while Parkinson’s disease interferes with the brain cells that produce dopamine. Symptoms of both diseases cause movement challenges, such as tremors and balance issues, along with a variety of other symptoms. While available treatment options may be helpful, there are unfortunately no cures currently available for either of these diseases.

According to Madie El-aghil, MD, Clinical Research Coordinator for True North Clinical Research, their work has the potential to help many people around the world. “These trials have the potential to lead to ground-breaking scientific advances in the medical field,” she explains.

Working with a Notable Neurologist

In order to discover new treatments and to grow closer to the ultimate goal of finding cures for these complicated neurological conditions, True North Clinical Research has collaborated with neurologist and movement disorder specialist Dr. Kerrie Schoffer, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University.

Dr. Schoffer and her team have recently concluded their work with a pivotal Roche and Genentech Phase 3 clinical trial that assessed the safety and tolerability of the drug Tominersen in patients with manifest Huntington’s disease compared to the placebo. This trial, called GENERATION-HD1, aimed to prove whether or not the drug would offer a treatment benefit.

Migraine Clinical Trial Requires Volunteers

Dr. Schoffer and Dr. El-aghil are also working on clinical trials that study the efficacy and safety of migraine treatments, a common neurological issue but one which can lead to significant disability for some patients. These trials require volunteers who have been diagnosed with migraines by their neurologist or family doctor.

“Our site is happy to provide further information to patients, their family physicians and/or neurologists to see if participating in a trial is a good fit for them. The delegated site staff, including myself, will assess eligibility and confirm if the patient meets the study’s inclusion criteria,” says Dr. El-aghil. “The study procedures will be explained thoroughly and we will have an ongoing collaborative relationship with the participant’s physicians.”

What’s Next for True North Clinical Research?

With True North Clinical Research’s recent merger with LMC Manna Research and IACT Health to form Centricity Research, the scope of their projects has increased. Together as Centricity Research, they will be able to study a diverse range of areas including infectious diseases, neurology, endocrinology, oncology, cardiology, dermatology, women’s health, and vaccines.

“At present, there are no cures for these conditions and so we are hoping that our contributions will potentially provide treatment options in the future. Our clinic’s recent merger with LMC Manna Research and IACT Health gives us new opportunities in different medical fields,” says Dr. El-aghil.

To learn more about True North Clinical Research, visit them online or call 1-855-378-8783