Clinical Trials Group Phone Number
The clinical trials group at Somerset Skin Centre is currently recruiting participants for several studies, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin infection.
For additional details please contact us at (248) 244-8465
Current Studies
Psoriasis: The breakthroughs in the treatment of psoriasis are the new biologics developed to combat this skin condition. Some are taken by injection, either in the doctors office or by the patient at home. Another type of biologic therapy is taken by infusion in the doctors office. If you are currently on a biologic, or are interested in learning more about them, please contact us. Patients diagnosed with chronic moderate or severe plaque psoriasis may be eligible to be in a study which is following patients for 5 years to track the long term benefits and effects of treatment with biologics. Patients are given a gift card in return for their time spent answering questions about their condition. RAPTIVA: Epidemiologic study of psoriasis outcomes and safety events (RESPONSE) in patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis ATLAS: Assessment and tracking of long-term alafacept
Eczema: If you have been treated for atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment (protopic), and the first use was before the age of 16, you can participate in a study to assess the long-term safety of tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Your atopic dermatitis does not have to be active to participate. APPLES: A prospective pediatric longitudinal evaluation to assess the long-term safety of tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Skin Infection: The effectiveness of two types of antibiotics on skin infections are being studied. Patients with lesions with at least 2 of the following clinical signs are eligible; pain/tenderness; erythema/warmth; swelling; induration; or fluctuation. A randomized, investigator-blind study to evaluate the effectiveness of oral cefdinir (Omnicef) once daily versus oral cephalexin four times daily for the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (USSSIs)
Clinical Trials at Somerset Skin Centre
Dr. Murakawa has extensive experience in conducting clinical trials research. His initial research studies were at Albany Medical College. Since his arrival in late 2000, Dr. Murakawa developed the Clinical Trials Group for University Dermatology and Wayne State. Dr. Murakawa has led clinical research trials for the treatment of dermatologic conditions such as tinea capitis, onychomycosis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, multiple basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. We are actively recruiting patients for many studies and welcome your inquiries. In addition to clinical trials, our group is also active in examining health care policy. Medical students have been instrumental in obtaining valuable data concerning this issue. We have obtained a better understanding about who provides dermatological care to the indigent population and how this care is subsidized in Michigan and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, fewer academic programs and government funds are providing this safety net for the un/underinsured, forcing private entities to either provide charity care or close their doors to this population. Our clinics have a plethora of interesting patient cases. Our posters and presentations have been displayed/presented at Michigan Dermatological Society meetings, American Academy of Dermatology meetings, and International Investigative Dermatology meetings.
Members of our Clinical Trials Group
George J. Murakawa, MD, PhD - Dr. Murakawa completed his PhD in microbiology at UCLA, received his medical degree from Harvard, completed his dermatology residency at UCSF, served as the Residency Director of the Division of Dermatology at Albany Medical College, and was Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Wayne State from 2000-4. He is the principal investigator of our studies. He continuously looks for opportunities to broaden our group and expand our scope of clinical research.
Posters, Presentations, Manuscripts
Trepte JL, Moossavi M, Murakawa GJ. "Providing Dermatological Care to the Indigent Population in Detroit, Michigan and the United States." Poster #367 displayed at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Francisco, CA, March, 2003.
Murakawa GJ, Abdul-Khalek R, Trepte JL. "Providing Dermatological Care to the Indigent Population." Poster # 0462 displayed at the International Investigative Dermatology 2003 Meeting in Miami Beach, FL, April 30-May 4, 2003.
Abdul-Khalek R, Trepte JL, Murakawa GJ. "Utilization of Resources in a Practice that Provides Care to Private Pay and Indigent Patients." Poster #0463 displayed at the International Investigative Dermatology 2003 Meeting in Miami Beach, FL, April 30-May 4, 2003.