When Eczema or Prurigo Nodularis Keeps Affecting Your Life, Clinical Research May Offer Another Option

The itching may be the first thing you notice in the morning and the last thing keeping you awake at night. You apply creams, change soaps, avoid possible triggers, and try not to scratch. Still, the irritation, inflammation, and discomfort keep returning. Over time, a chronic skin condition can affect much more than your skin. It can disrupt your sleep, concentration, confidence, work, school, and daily activities.

For parents, watching a child struggle with eczema can be especially difficult. Persistent itching may interfere with sleep, school, play, and the entire family’s routine.

When current treatments are not providing enough relief, participating in clinical research may be another option to explore.

Cahaba Clinical Research in Birmingham is currently enrolling eligible participants in studies for:

Each study has different eligibility requirements. Contacting the research team or completing an initial screening does not obligate you or your child to participate.

Atopic Dermatitis Is More Than Dry Skin

Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause intense itching, redness, irritation, cracking, and recurring flare-ups. For some people, the itching becomes so persistent that it interrupts sleep and makes it difficult to concentrate during the day. Visible symptoms may also affect clothing choices, social activities, and self-confidence.

Although several eczema treatments are available, they do not work equally well for everyone. Clinical trials allow researchers to evaluate investigational treatment options for people whose symptoms remain difficult to control.

Adult Atopic Dermatitis Study: SIERRA1

Cahaba Clinical Research is enrolling adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in the SIERRA1 clinical study. The study is evaluating soquelitinib, an investigational oral medication, at different dose levels compared with a placebo. A placebo looks like the investigational medication but does not contain an active study drug.

Participants receive study treatment for approximately 12 weeks. Study visits are scheduled weekly during the first two weeks, followed by visits approximately every two weeks during the treatment period. Additional follow-up visits are planned after the final dose. Researchers will monitor participants’ skin symptoms, overall health, and possible side effects throughout the study.

You May Qualify for the Adult Eczema Study If You:

Are 18 years of age or older
Have experienced atopic dermatitis symptoms for at least one year
Have moderate to severe eczema
Have used prescription topical or systemic eczema treatment within the past six months
Meet additional medical requirements reviewed by the research team

Women who can become pregnant must not be pregnant or breastfeeding and must agree to follow the study’s birth-control requirements. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

Because this is a randomized, placebo-controlled study, participants may receive an investigational dose of soquelitinib or a placebo. The research team will explain the study design, possible risks, visit schedule, and participant responsibilities before enrollment.

Learn more about the SIERRA1 adult atopic dermatitis study.

Children’s Atopic Dermatitis Study for Ages 6–11

When eczema keeps a child awake, makes clothing uncomfortable, or interferes with school and play, parents may begin wondering what other options are available. Cahaba Clinical Research is enrolling children ages 6–11 in a study evaluating an investigational medication for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

The study is intended to explore potential new treatment options for children living with eczema. Study-related visits, exams, laboratory work, care, and investigational medication are provided at no cost. Eligible families may receive up to $700 for their time, travel, and related expenses. Insurance and proof of citizenship are not required.

Your Child May Qualify If They:

Are between 6 and 11 years old
Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Have experienced the condition for at least six months
Meet additional health and medical requirements reviewed by the study team

The research team will explain the investigational medication, study procedures, visit requirements, potential risks, and other important information before a parent or caregiver decides whether to enroll their child.

What Parents Can Expect

Choosing whether to enroll a child in a clinical trial is an important and personal decision. Parents and caregivers will have an opportunity to ask questions and review the study information before agreeing to participate. Children will receive study-related monitoring from the local research team, and participation remains voluntary.

Submitting an inquiry does not mean your child must join the study.

Learn more about the children’s atopic dermatitis study.

Prurigo Nodularis Study for Adults

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic skin condition that causes intensely itchy, firm nodules or bumps. The itching may become severe enough to affect sleep, concentration, emotional well-being, and everyday activities. Scratching can further irritate the skin and contribute to additional inflammation and skin damage. For people who have not received enough relief from topical treatments, clinical research may provide an opportunity to explore an investigational option.

Cahaba Clinical Research is enrolling eligible adults in the ICP-CL-00609 study. This Phase 2 clinical trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication compared with a placebo in people living with prurigo nodularis.

You May Qualify for the Prurigo Nodularis Study If You:

Are between 18 and 75 years old
Have had a dermatologist-confirmed diagnosis of prurigo nodularis for at least three months
Have at least 20 itchy nodules distributed on both sides of your body
Rate your worst itching as 7 or higher on a scale of 0 to 10 on most days
Have nodules that a study physician considers moderate to severe
Have not received sufficient relief from medium- or stronger-potency steroid creams, or cannot use them for medical reasons
Agree to follow the study’s pregnancy-prevention and birth-control requirements

Additional health and medical requirements apply. A screening appointment is required to determine whether the study may be appropriate for you.

Because the study is randomized and placebo-controlled, participants may receive the investigational medication or a placebo. The research team will explain this process fully before you decide whether to participate.

Learn more about the ICP-CL-00609 prurigo nodularis study.

What Happens When You Contact Cahaba Clinical Research?

Learning more about a study is straightforward and does not commit you to participating.

1. Complete the Study Form

Visit the appropriate study page and submit the short contact form. You may also call Cahaba Clinical Research directly.

2. Speak With a Recruiter

A member of the research team will ask questions about your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and general health. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the study.

3. Attend an Eligibility Appointment

When the initial phone screening indicates that you or your child may be a potential candidate, the team may schedule an in-person appointment. During this visit, the staff will explain the study and conduct study-related evaluations to determine eligibility.

4. Make an Informed Decision

Even when someone qualifies, participation is never required. Before enrolling, you will receive information about the study treatment, possibility of receiving a placebo, visit schedule, procedures, potential risks, possible benefits, and participant responsibilities.

You can take the time you need to ask questions before deciding.

Why Consider Participating in Dermatology Research?

Clinical trial participation cannot guarantee that your symptoms will improve. Investigational medications are still being evaluated and may not work for every participant.

However, participating may provide an opportunity to:

Explore an investigational treatment option
Receive regular study-related medical monitoring
Learn more about your skin condition
Contribute to research that may help create future treatment options
Help researchers better understand eczema or prurigo nodularis

Every participant contributes valuable information, regardless of how they respond to the investigational treatment.

Research Led by an Experienced Dermatologist

Cahaba Clinical Research’s principal investigator is Dr. Vlada Groysman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center. Dr. Groysman also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has experience treating a wide range of dermatological conditions.

The Cahaba Clinical Research team works to help participants understand each step of the research process so that they can make informed decisions about participation.

You May Have Another Option to Explore

Living with constant itching, recurring flare-ups, painful skin, or visible nodules can be physically and emotionally exhausting. You may have already tried several treatments without achieving the level of relief you hoped for. Clinical research may not be right for everyone, but learning about a study can help you understand the investigational options currently being evaluated.

There is no obligation to join, and the first conversation is simply an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether a study may be a potential fit.

See Whether You or Your Child May Qualify

Choose the study that most closely matches your situation:

Cahaba Clinical Research
2279 Valleydale Road, Suite 230
Birmingham, AL 35244

Phone: 205-778-1564
Website: cahabaclinicalresearch.com

CALL US NOW