Local Rockwood Clinic research center evaluates new diabetes drug

Spokane resident and MultiCare patient Robert M. is thrilled to have taken part in a global research study for the treatment of diabetes.

After his diabetes diagnosis, changes to his diet and exercise routine had not helped to lower Robert’s elevated blood sugar. Often patients with advanced diabetes end up taking insulin to reduce their abnormal blood sugar levels.

Robert discussed treatment options with Carol Wysham, MD, his diabetes specialist at MultiCare. He was intrigued to learn that she was involved in a clinical trial for a new type of blood sugar lowering medication.

Robert wanted in. Once he was determined to be the right candidate, he volunteered to participate in a year-long study of a drug called tirzepatide.

“I may be able to help someone else down the road,” he explained, “and it also might be me, so I was happy to sign up.”

Ongoing tirzepatide research for diabetes therapy

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 34 million Americans have diabetes. Having high blood sugar levels is linked to severe health problems, such as kidney disease, nerve damage, blindness and stroke.

Sponsored by drug maker Eli Lilly, MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation’s Rockwood Clinic Research Center is one of 53 tirzepatide study locations across the United States, Europe and Asia. Unlike traditional insulin therapy for high blood sugar, tirzepatide belongs to an altogether different class of drugs known as receptor agonists.

Medical researchers hope to determine if tirzepatide is safer and more effective than insulin in managing blood sugar levels of diabetic patients.

Drug or placebo?

The tirzepatide study is designed as a double-blind experiment. This means that neither the trial’s participating physicians nor the patients know who receives the tirzepatide and who gets a placebo or “sugar pill.” The purpose of a double-blind study is to prevent both patient and researcher bias from interfering with reliable results.

Robert says his participation in the drug trial has been easy. Armed with an at-home kit, he checked his own blood sugar and shared the results each week with Rockwood’s research team. He also met with Dr. Wysham at Rockwood about once a month, which included additional laboratory testing.

State-of-the-art research close to home

Nearing the end of his participation in the clinical trial, Robert is convinced that he has been taking the tirzepatide. His continual blood sugar monitoring with his home kit and visits to the Rockwood laboratory shows a significant decrease in his blood sugar levels. He is pleased with both his results and the fact that he could participate locally, without having to travel to an academic center in some far-off location.

“I’m retired, so my monthly check-in at Rockwood was a pleasant excuse for me to get out of the house,” he chuckled. “I also feel lucky that I could be part of something like this right here in Spokane.”

Clinical research in your community

MultiCare physicians and specialty clinics are currently conducting over 100 clinical trials in areas such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, skin disorders and multiple sclerosis. We are committed to being at the forefront of innovative research and treatment for patients across Washington and beyond.

Want to learn more or find out about how to volunteer for a clinical trial? Visit the MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation’s website for a complete list of MultiCare’s ongoing research studies.