Meridien Research is comprised of four multi-therapeutic, dedicated research centers specializing in central nervous system disorders, nutrition, women’s health and general internal medicine. Our offices are located in densely populated Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Florida), Hillsborough County (Tampa, Florida), fast growing Hernando County (Brooksville, Florida) and Manatee County (Bradenton Florida). Meridien Research is uniquely situated to access research participants from ages 18-90. Media advertising encompasses the Tampa Bay area, which extends the opportunity for enrollment while maximizing recruitment dollars. Meridien has created a strong branding of excellence in the Tampa Bay area while developing a patient database of over 8000 subjects.
Meridien Research was founded in January 2000 by Cathy Collins and Mildred Farmer, MD, who have a combined 33 years of experience in the research industry. Meridien’s founding concept is to provide sponsors with the highest quality trial data in a timely fashion. Meridien Research centers are structured to support ease of patient participation and research coordinator efficiency. Each center has a site director, regulatory specialist, recruitment specialist, research assistants and laboratory technician who facilitate accurate and efficient data collection. All site personnel are networked via computer to promote ease of communication with sponsors. Principal investigators see patients in the Meridien office and are devoted 100% to the clinical trial process during the patient’s visit. Each site operates independently under a set of standard operating procedures. Initial study contact and study contracting are handled through the corporate office in St. Petersburg.
Meridien Research has a strong reputation among large and small pharma. Repeat customers account for more than 75% of Meridien’s active clinical trials. Sponsors often use all four centers for their trials as the patient populations are separate while gaining the consistency of quality across all four centers. Out of town monitors can access all four sites via Tampa International Airport. Sites are located from 15 minutes to 45 minutes from the airport.
Web Site: www.newstudyinfo.com
Medical Director: Mildred V. Farmer, MD
Site Locations: St. Petersburg, Tampa, Brooksville and Bradenton, FL
Meridien Research – St. Petersburg, FL
4751 66th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
727-347-8839 phone 727-384-6440 fax
Site Director: Ed Camejo
ecamejo@meridienresearch.net
Principal Investigator:
Gigi C. Lefebvre, MD – board certified in Family Practice. Gigi C. Lefebvre, MD has been in private practice in St. Petersburg since 1990. She continues to see patients at her private practice as well as serving as Principal Investigator. Dr. Lefebvre has been conducting trials in multi-therapeutic areas with Meridien Research since January of 2006.
Sub Investigators:
Beth Benson, MD – board certified Gynecology
Jeff Carlson, MD – board certified Gynecology
Paul S. Collins, MD – board certified in Vascular Surgery
Naomi Korn, MSW – licensed Sex Therapist
Lia Nardone, MD – board certified Psychiatry
IVS Nath, MD – board certified Gastroenterology
Robert Nelson, MD – board certified Ophthalmology
Rater Experience:
Certified raters have extensive experience with Ham-D, Ham-A, MADRS, MINI, YMRS, CIBIC, ADAS, WMS-R, CDR, EDSS, SCID and Net-Met batteries.
Research Training: All site staff has received the following training: OSHA, IATA, CPR, IVRS, SAE, ICH, and GCP. Coordinators are experienced with EDC programs: Phase Forward, RAMOS, INET, IMPALA, Trial Master, In-Form and sponsor specific programs.
Recruitment Performance:
Meridien Research meets or exceeds enrollment goals for the majority of trials.
Statistics on screen-failure rates, retention rates and enrollment to goal rates available upon request.
Patient recruitment is accomplished primarily through database, print media, radio and television and subject referrals.
Therapeutic Expertise:
CNS/Psychiatry/Neurology/ General Medicine/Gynecology/Gastrointestinal/Endocrine/Sexual Dysfunction/Dermatology/Nutrition
Facilities & Equipment:
St. Petersburg
• 6000 square feet of dedicated research center/3 exam rooms
• -70 degree freezer
• -20 degree freezer
• Refrigerated Centrifuge
• Interpretive ECG machine
• Dedicated monitoring spaces with phone lines and high speed internet access
• CT/MRI scan, PET scans, mammograms, endoscopy, with immediate scheduling at hospital and outpatient radiology center
• Echocardiograms performed by outside company on site
• Central locked temperature controlled drug storage area
• Central security system
• On site laboratory – Waived CLIA
• T 1 internet access/wireless internet throughout the office
• Staff: Site director, regulatory specialist, 2 RN recruitment specialists, 5 FT research coordinators, lab coordinator, front desk coordinator, research assistants.
The St. Petersburg site is located 30 minutes from the Tampa International Airport off I-275, Exit 38th Avenue North, convenient for study subjects from St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Seminole and Largo.
Meridien Research - Tampa, Florida
501 S. Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33606
813-877-8839 phone 813-873-2303 fax
Site Director: Linda Fucheck, RN, MS
lfucheck@meridienresearch.net
Principal Investigator:
Cynthia Huffman, MD – Neurologist , board-certified by the American College of Psychiatry and Neurology. During her four years with Meridien Research, Dr. Cynthia Huffman has been a Principal Investigator and sub-investigator for over 100 clinical trials. Although Dr. Huffman specializes in CNS trials, her broad range of investigation includes studies in multiple sclerosis, age associated memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, post herpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuralgia, insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, dermatology, gynecology, internal medicine, rheumatology, gastroenterology and endocrinology.
Dr. Huffman received her B.S. from Ohio State University and her M.D. from Wright State University. She did her four-year residency at the Texas Medical Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Huffman is board-certified by the American College of Psychiatry and Neurology since 1987.
In addition to the above, Dr. Huffman’s medical experience includes thirteen years in private practice serving out-patients, hospital and rehabilitation patients. Dr. Huffman has been the director of a National Multiple Sclerosis Society sponsored clinic and has worked for the University of South Florida in medical student education.
Sub Investigators:
Connie Alfonso, MD – board certified Ophthalmology
Leopoldo Grauer, MD – board certified Gastroenterology
Roque Rodriguez, MD – board certified Internal Medicine
Mark Sanchez, MD – board certified Gynecology
Rater Experience:
Certified raters have extensive experience with Ham-D, Ham-A, MADRS, MINI, YMRS, CIBIC, ADAS, WMS-R, CDR, EDSS, SCID and Net-Met batteries.
Research Training: All site staff has received the following training: OSHA, IATA, CPR, IVRS, SAE, ICH, and GCP. Coordinators are experienced with EDC programs: Phase Forward, RAMOS, INET, IMPALA, Trial Master, In-Form and sponsor specific programs.
Recruitment Performance:
Meridien Research meets or exceeds enrollment goals for the majority of trials.
Statistics on screen-failure rates, retention rates and enrollment to goal rates available upon request.
Patient recruitment is accomplished primarily through database, print media, radio and television and subject referrals.
Therapeutic Expertise:
CNS/Psychiatry/Neurology/ General Medicine/Gynecology/Gastrointestinal/Endocrine/Sexual Dysfunction/Dermatology/Nutrition
Facilities & Equipment:
Tampa
• 3000 square feet of dedicated research center/2 exam rooms
• -70 degree freezer
• -20 degree freezer
• Refrigerated Centrifuge
• Interpretive ECG machine
• Dedicated monitoring spaces with phone lines and high speed internet access
• CT/MRI scan, mammograms, endoscopy, with immediate scheduling at hospital and outpatient radiology center
• Echocardiograms performed by outside company on site
• Central locked temperature controlled drug storage area
• Central security system
• On site laboratory – Waived CLIA
• T 1 internet access/wireless internet throughout the office
• Staff: Site director, regulatory specialist, recruitment specialist, 3 FT research coordinators, lab coordinator, front desk coordinator, research assistants.
The Tampa site is located off I-275 and close to the Cross-town Expressway, convenient for study subjects from North Tampa, South Tampa, Brandon and Lakeland. The Tampa site is 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
Meridien Research – Brooksville, FL
16176 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34601
352-597-8839 phone 352-597-7578 fax
Site Director: Barbara Padilla, BS
bpadilla@meridienresearch.net
Principal Investigator:
Mildred Farmer, MD – board certified in Internal Medicine and is fellowship trained in Geriatrics. She has been a Principal Investigator since 1990 for over 500 trials across multiple therapeutic areas. She has particular expertise in cognitive impairment from Age-associated Memory Impairment to Severe Dementia. She has extensive experience in memory, mood disorders, women's health, migraine, smoking cessation, nutrition, geriatrics, and metabolic studies including lipid disorders, diabetes, and hypertension. Dr. Farmer has been audited by the FDA five times since 1990 for high enrollment in pivotal trials.
Sub Investigators:
James Andersen, MD – board certified Family Practice
Donna Bennett, MD – board certified Gynecology
Ganesh Chari, MD – board certified Neurology
Damodar Kanuri, MD – board certified Gastroenterology
Leo Yason, MD – board certified Psychiatry
Rater Experience:
Certified raters have extensive experience with Ham-D-17, Ham-A, MADRS, MINI, YMRS, CGI-I, CGI-S, CIBIC, ADAS-Cog, ADAS-CGIC, ADCS-ADL, QoL-AD, MMSE, CANTAB, SIB, WMS-R, CDR-SB, Cognitive Test Battery (computer base), Psychologix computer testing, NPI, , SCID and Net-Met batteries.
Research Training: All site staff has received the following training: OSHA, IATA, CPR, IVRS, SAE, ICH, and GCP. Coordinators are experienced with EDC programs: Phase Forward, RAMOS, INET, IMPALA, Medidata, Trial Master, In-Form and sponsor specific programs.
Recruitment Performance:
Meridien Research meets or exceeds enrollment goals for the majority of trials.
Statistics on screen-failure rates, retention rates and enrollment to goal rates available upon request.
Patient recruitment is accomplished primarily through database, print media, radio, website, television and subject referrals.
Therapeutic Expertise:
CNS/Psychiatry/Neurology/ General Medicine/Gynecology/Gastrointestinal/Endocrine/Sexual Dysfunction/Dermatology/Nutrition
Facilities & Equipment:
Brooksville
• 3300 square feet of dedicated research center/2 exam rooms
• -70° degree freezer
• -20° degree freezer
• Refrigerator in lab area
• Ambient & Refrigerated Centrifuges
• Interpretive ECG machines (2)
• Dedicated monitoring spaces with phone lines, high speed internet access, and wireless if needed
• CT/MRI scan, PET scans, lumbar punctures, mammograms, endoscopy, with immediate scheduling at hospital, Endoscopy Center, and outpatient radiology center
• Echocardiograms performed by outside company on site
• Central locked temperature controlled drug storage area that includes refrigerator for IP storage
• Central security system
• On site laboratory – Waived CLIA
• T1 internet access/wireless internet throughout the office
• Staff: Site director, regulatory specialist, recruitment specialist, 3 FT research coordinators, lab coordinator, front desk coordinator, research assistants/data entry coordinator.
The Brooksville site is located in the Spring Hill/Brooksville area in Hernando County. The office is located on Route 50 (Cortez Boulevard) one mile east of the Suncoast Parkway (Toll Road 589), approximately 45 minutes from the Tampa International Airport.
Meridien Research – Bradenton, FL
Forest Park
1105 53rd Avenue East
Suite 203
Bradenton, Florida 34203
941-756-8680 phone 941-756-8839 fax
Site Director: Christine Jacobs
cjacobs@meridienresearch.net
Principal Investigator:
Louis B. Chaykin, MD – Board certified in Endocrinology. Dr. Louis Chaykin has over 15 years in pharmaceutical research and has been a Principal Investigator with Meridien Research since 2007. He has conducted more than 50 studies in his specialty including diabetes, lipids, metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis. Since joining Meridien Research, Dr. Chaykin has broadened his range of investigation to include obesity, women’s health, post herpetic neuralgia and hypertension.
Dr. Chaykin continues to have additional involvement in the medical community. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine and is involved with chairing and developing programs for CME and CEU for Physicians, Nurses, P.A.s, Dieticians, and Pharmacists in Diabetes and related topics. He is a national speaker for Eli Lilly on the topic of relationship of atypical anti-psychotics as they relate to risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular events in the treatment of schizophrenia and bi-polar disorders.
Sub Investigators:
Matthew Thomas, MD – board certified Psychiatry and Neurology
Andrea Vesper, MD – board certified in Dermatology
Rater Experience:
Certified raters have extensive experience with Ham-D, Ham-A, MADRS, MINI, YMRS, CIBIC, ADAS, WMS-R, CDR, EDSS, SCID and Net-Met batteries.
Research Training:
All site staff has received the following training: OSHA, IATA, CPR, IVRS, SAE, ICH, and GCP. Coordinators are experienced with EDC programs: Phase Forward, Oracle, In-Form and sponsor specific programs.
Recruitment Performance:
Meridien Research meets or exceeds enrollment goals for the majority of trials.
Statistics on screen-failure rates, retention rates and enrollment to goal rates available upon request.
Patient recruitment is accomplished primarily through database, print media, radio and television.
Therapeutic Expertise:
General Medicine/Endocrine/Women’s Studies/Gastrointestinal/CNS Pain Management/Dermatology/Nutrition
Facilities & Equipment:
Bradenton
• 3200 square feet of dedicated research space located in a professional medical complex
• 2 fully equipped exam rooms
• On site laboratory – Waived CLIA
• -20 degree freezer
• -70 degree freezer
• Interpretive ECG machine
• Echocardiograms performed by outside company on site
• Central security system
• Central locked, temperature controlled drug storage area
• Dedicated monitoring space
• DSL/wireless internet throughout the office
• CT/MRI scan, mammograms with immediate scheduling at outpatient radiology center
The Bradenton site is located off I-275, Exit # 217 (Route 70/53rd Ave East) convenient for study subjects from Bradenton, Sarasota, Brandon and Palmetto. The Bradenton site is 60 minutes from Tampa International Airport and 30 minutes from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
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