Nevada Health Centers (NVHC), the largest Federally Qualified Community Health Center program in Nevada, has partnered with Javara, an integrated research organization, to bring clinical trials to local communities. The collaboration began in 2023 and initially focuses on the greater Carson City area.
Currently, NVHC offers six active clinical studies at Sierra Nevada Health Center in Carson City. These include trials for a norovirus vaccine, oral GLP-1 treatments for diabetes, as well as studies related to malnutrition, heart failure prevention, hypothyroidism, and COVID-19. There are plans to expand these research opportunities to other NVHC facilities across the state.
NVHC and Javara are now enrolling participants for a norovirus vaccine trial aimed at developing an effective way to prevent the disease. Norovirus is highly contagious and can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks annually in the United States, with the virus accounting for 58% of foodborne illnesses (https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/data-research/index.html).
Clinical trials like this one play a key role in creating new medications and therapies. The national norovirus vaccine study seeks to reduce the burden of illness that leads to missed workdays, school absences, hospitalizations, and other complications.
Sangeeta Wagner, DO, chief integration officer at Nevada Health Centers, and Jason Elenberger, site operations manager for Javara, lead the clinical and administrative aspects of this study. Those interested in participating will undergo a pre-screening process to determine eligibility. Participation is free of charge; patients receive compensation for their time and travel.
The organizations note that joining clinical trials allows patients access to new treatments before they become widely available while supporting advancements in medical research.
For more information or media inquiries regarding participation in the study or details about Javara’s work can be found at www.javararesearch.com.
