Ark Clinical Research Announces Advancing Accessibility for Obesity Through Innovative Research Trials on GLP-1 drugs
April 16 2024 - 8:18AM
Business Wire
Ark Clinical Research (“Ark”) is advancing accessible solutions
for obesity and obesity-related diseases through clinical research
and a free health clinic, which administers health assessments and
manages patient care. Ark is a research organization with sites in
Long Beach and Fountain Valley, California. While the clinical
research organization conducts Phase I-IV clinical trials in
various therapeutic areas, the company is particularly focused on
weight loss studies and accessibility of these drugs for those in
need, particularly for low-income and minority patients.
More than 100 million Americans are currently faced with the
challenge of excess weight or obesity. These statistics are
alarming, because obesity is often associated with other serious
medical conditions such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High
Cholesterol, Cardiovascular and Fatty Liver Disease. Although new
medical treatments have given hope for patients who suffer from
obesity and obesity-related diseases, this positive impact has been
limited, particularly for those in socially disadvantaged
communities. Despite approved weight loss treatments playing a
crucial role in improved health outcomes, many Americans cannot
afford them or get access to them. Inadequate insurance coverage
exacerbates the issue by denying individuals coverage, and monthly
out-of-pocket expenses for medications can range from $900 to
$1300, which is often out-of-budget for patients.
These hurdles can be particularly frustrating especially when
these drugs can have very real impact on losing weight and
patients’ health. Ark’s Investigators have witnessed patients
losing up to 36% of their body mass and shedding 20-85 pounds in
under a year. For example, a patient reportedly lost over 85 pounds
during the study. Science has shown that there are certain people
with genetic predispositions that make it very difficult to lose
weight through diet or exercise, and yet patients have difficulty
getting access to drugs without paying out of pocket. At Ark,
studies with drugs that have a weight-loss component are often of
particular interest to patients who are obese or have
obesity-related conditions. While these studies are placebo
controlled, they can provide another avenue for GLP-1 drugs or
other obesity drugs.
Increasingly, the FDA as well as the pharmaceutical industry
have recognized the need for diverse patients in clinical research;
given Ark’s prime locations in Southern California and diverse
leadership, the research organization has been on the forefront of
recruiting from diverse patient populations. Over the last year,
72% of Ark’s patients participating in obesity research were
minorities. Ark ensures inclusive participation so medical
advancements are shared more equitably across people of color,
striving for high-quality research that is diverse, affordable, and
accessible to all people.
Dr. Kenneth Kim, Founder and Executive Chairman, and Samira
Moran, CEO, appreciate the necessity of clinical trials for those
who genuinely need access to effective care. As part of Ark’s
strategic planning, Ark will employ mobile unit technology by
Summer 2024 to further the goal of healthcare for all. The mobile
unit will work with local communities and organizations, overcoming
the barriers of access to healthcare and research. With the launch
of groundbreaking treatments, accessible, affordable, and diverse
healthcare is more vital than ever before.
If you are interested in learning more about Ark Clinical
Research, please contact Samira Moran, CEO by phone at 310-710-2985
or by email at smoran@arkclinicalresearch.com.
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Ark Clinical Research Samira Moran, CEO 310-710-2985
smoran@arkclinicalresearch.com