Advancing skin health and transforming lives
If you’ve ever hoped to be a part of something bigger than yourself, Apex Clinical Research Center might have the answer for you.
Since opening, Apex Clinical Research Center has helped more than 500 patients explore new treatment options while contributing to medical discoveries that extend far beyond Ohio. Founder Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga is pictured in center (wearing blue). (Photography: Adrienne Rose)
When board-certified dermatologist and Apex Skin founder Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga established Apex Clinical Research Center in 2019, his goal was to expand patient access to leading-edge therapies while advancing the future of dermatology. Today, that vision has helped hundreds of patients in Northeast Ohio while contributing to advancements benefiting people worldwide.
“We set out to make a difference for patients seeking answers, for physicians advancing care and for the future of dermatology,” says Dr. Garcia.
Beginning as a research center in Mayfield Heights, Apex has grown to include additional locations in Canton and Lorain, each offering an on-site pharmacy, laboratory and dermatology clinical trials, all under one roof.
Participants receive all study-related care at no cost, gain access to promising new treatments before they become widely available, and may even receive compensation for time and travel.
What is Clinical Research?
All medications for any medical condition must go through a series of clinical evaluations prior to being approved by the FDA for marketing purposes. These medicines are studied at the clinical setting in patients who suffer from a specific skin condition. Very strict protocols are followed to ensure the patients are fully informed every step of the way.
“Many of our research staff are RNs, MDs and advanced practitioners specializing in dermatology,” says Marlise Fletter, CNP, network lead investigator. “Clinical trials give patients the earliest access to advanced treatments for chronic skin conditions. They also provide personalized attention and comprehensive medical care, including ECGs, blood work and complete physical exams, which sometimes identify other serious medical conditions that might otherwise go undiagnosed. Patients have a part in helping others also find relief.”
“We invite anyone who qualifies to participate because everyone deserves access to quality care,” says Theresa Sedlak-Hanslik, vice president of research operations. “Our philosophy is simple: no patient left behind.”
The center is currently conducting studies for a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, skin pigmentation issues and rare skin disorders.
“Our team is dedicated to making patients feel comfortable, informed and supported throughout their research journey,” Theresa says. “We put our patients front and center in everything we do.”
Dr. Brian Moore, a dermatologist at the Mayfield Heights location, says participation in clinical research benefits both today’s patients and future generations.
“Clinical research gives patients access to promising new therapies while helping establish the safety and effectiveness of treatments,” he says. “It brings the next generation of dermatology medications to patients who need them.”
Designed Around the Patient Experience
From the moment patients drive up to the 18,000-square-foot flagship facility in Mayfield Heights, it’s clear this is not a typical medical office. The uniquely shaped windows on the front of the building spell the word “skin” in Morse code. Inside, works by local artists brighten the treatment rooms, while landscape photography throughout creates a calming environment.
“Our top priority is making patients feel comfortable,” Theresa says. “We want patients to feel at ease and confident participating in clinical research, as it is safe, highly regulated, and an essential part of advancing medicine.”
That commitment extends to the treatments themselves.
“A clinical trial is the most forward-thinking way to treat a patient. We have access to medications that have proven to be highly effective in early phases and are now in phase two or three on their way to approval,” says Megan Sevilla, PA-C, a sub-investigator on the clinical team. “Our clinical trial data has helped medicines get approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”
Improving Lives Here and Worldwide
Since opening, Apex Clinical Research Center has helped more than 500 patients explore new treatment options while contributing to medical discoveries that extend far beyond Ohio.
“Apex is helping advance the dermatology industry by being recognized as one of the leading dermatology clinical research centers in the country,” Marlise says.
A participant who recently took part in a hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) study reported that her experience has been a win-win situation.
“The research has been helping me manage my condition much better,” she says. “Through my research, I also know that I could be possibly helping another person with a similar condition.”
“My experience doing trials with Apex dermatology staff has been amazing. I look forward to my ongoing appointments with them every time, and the staff has become more like family. They are always very professional, kind, thorough and knowledgeable,” she adds.
Apex Clinical Research Center
- 29111 Cedar Road, Mayfield Heights
- 4124 Munson Street NW, Canton
- 6150 Park Square Drive, Suite B, Lorain
Could a Clinical Trial Help Your Skin Condition?
Learn more about your skin condition and gain access to promising new treatment options at Apex Clinical Research Center.
As part of Apex Skin’s 15-clinic dermatology system, the Center conducts clinical trials evaluating both FDA-approved and investigational therapies for a variety of dermatologic conditions. Study-related care is provided at no cost, no insurance required and qualified participants may receive compensation for time and travel.
“It’s an opportunity for patients to receive expert care while gaining access to medications they otherwise may not receive,” says Brooke Glivar, research network director.
Current studies include:
- Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)—investigational injectable and oral treatments designed to help improve symptoms and disease control in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who have not found adequate relief with previous therapies.
- Plaque Psoriasis—FDA-approved treatments and new oral medication designed to help reduce inflammation and improve plaque severity in adults and adolescents whose symptoms have not responded to topical therapies.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa—investigational treatment options designed to reduce painful lesions and inflammation.
- Vitiligo—investigational medication given by IV infusion studying whether it will bring color back to depigmented skin.
- Alopecia Areata—investigational injectable treatment designed to help reduce immune-driven hair loss and support scalp hair regrowth.
“We’re continually adding new studies, so even if there’s not a trial for your condition today, we can notify you when one becomes available,” Brooke says.
Visit ApexClinicalResearchCenter.com/Patient/ to learn more, schedule a free consultation and find out what to expect when you join a clinical trial.
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