One of the primary goals of the NSMRC is to translate laboratory research and basic science into therapies and clinical research that directly benefits our patients. To accomplish this, we have developed a relationship with the UCSD Clinical Investigation Institute (CII). The CII facilitates disease-oriented research and clinical trial activity at UCSD. It provides an infrastructure that permits evaluation of new innovative therapies and offers our patients early access to groundbreaking therapy.

The Clinical Trials Unit of the CII assists NSMRC members who are interested in conducting clinical research or clinical trials. It provides expertise and a complete menu of options to support, facilitate and optimize the conduct of clinical research projects. An important ancillary goal will be to help young clinical investigators develop clinical research experience and expertise. For clinical investigators, the CII can offer assistance at all phases and stages of clinical research projects. Based upon their experience, resources, and available effort, investigators may choose a few focused areas for collaboration or they may choose more extended CII involvement that could involve all aspects of a study.

The CII has dedicated clinical trial space in Thornton Hospital. In addition to expertise in clinical trial design and execution, the CII also provides important technology that can be useful in the evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal disease. Ultrasound (including power Doppler ultrasound), MRI, arthroscopy, and novel approaches to physical therapy are available to help investigators evaluate patients. More sophisticated methods of gene and protein expression can be performed and patient samples can be performed by the CII Biomarker Laboratory. The collaboration between the CII and the NSMRC will open up new opportunities to enhance the study of muscle biology and rehabilitation medicine.

Gary S. Firestein, MD
Ken Kalunian, MD
Artie Kavanaugh, MD
Susan Lee, MD