CLEVELAND — University Hospitals celebrated a year of research and innovation on Tuesday during its "State of Research" address. The number of research accomplishments are significant and will have a great impact on the future of healthcare therapies and treatments.
"At the end of the day, research is important in health systems because it's about hope. It's about hope for patients who have no options. They need that new drug, that new device, that new cell based therapy. for a condition, a disease that's not curable," said Dr. Daniel Simon, President, Academic & External Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer, Ernie and Patti Novak Distinguished Chair in Health Care Leadership University Hospitals Health System.
One example is the FDA approval of the LimFlow procedure, a way to bypass clogged arteries in the lower leg to restore blood flow in patients who had no other hope but amputation.
"We need to celebrate that this is great for our community. It's great for our patients. There are over 75,000 amputations in the US. Dr. Mehdi Shishebor figured out a way to prevent 75% of them. We need to shout that from the mountain top. That's what today's about," Dr. Simon said.
More than 3,400 active clinical trials and research studies were performed in 2023, representing a 20% increase in patient enrollment year over year. The UH Mobile Research Unit expands access to clinical research studies and trials to underserved areas across the region, particularly in rural areas, underrepresented racial and ethnic communities, and to those unable to travel.
UH also expanded beyond the borders to find cures for the world's most difficult diseases.
"We're a big rare disease, research center now with our relationship between Harrington Research Institute with Oxford Univeristy that created the Oxford Harrington Rare Disease Therapeutics Accelerator, committing to bringing 40 new drugs to clinical trial and six to eight to approval in the next decade," Dr. Simon said.
Take a look at the research slides below to get a better idea of what was accomplished in 2023.
Other accolades went to Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor and Dr. Amrou Sarraj. They were selected for the Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards. This award honors outstanding achievements in clinical research from across the nation. Out of the total 10 awardees, two are UH physician-scientists to receive this prestigious award.
You can watch the 2024 UH State of Research Address below: