VACCINES
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Ongoing vaccine trials are focusing on reducing the severity of RSV infections and preventing hospitalisations in these high-risk groups. Clinical studies are currently evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines in protecting older adults and pregnant women, which could provide immunity to newborns against RSV.
Annual flu vaccines help protect high-risk populations like children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions. Trials are currently exploring a universal flu vaccine that could offer broader protection against various flu strains.
RESPIRATORY
Asthma
Asthma is defined as: respiratory symptoms, including wheezing or repetitive coughing, shortness of breath and tight chest, with expiratory airflow limitation which changes over time and in intensity. Asthma interferes with people’s work and family life, especially when children have asthma. Asthma is a serious problem which causes 1000 deaths per day globally, despite available treatment. TTC is experienced in managing asthma in adults and children. We conduct clinical trials to development new and improved medicines for asthma in adults and children. The aim of our clinical trials in asthma is to minimise the burden of asthma on individuals, families, and communities and to prevent asthma deaths.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a lung condition characterised by chronic respiratory symptoms such as dyspnoea, cough, production of sputum and/or exacerbations, due to abnormalities of the airways, or alveoli that cause persistent, often progressive airway obstruction. COPD is one of the top three causes of death in the world, even though COPD is preventable and treatable. We are committed to advancing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medicines research in alignment with the latest evidence-based practices.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK
AND METABOLIC CONDITIONS
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions each year. At Tiervlei Trial Centre, we conduct innovative research focused on the prevention, management, and treatment of CVD in alignment with the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. These guidelines provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations to reduce risk factors, enhance patient outcomes, and improve overall heart health. By following AHA standards, we ensure our clinical trials contribute to the latest advancements in cardiovascular care.
At TTC we specialise in conducting metabolic studies that aim to understand the effects of various interventions on metabolic processes in human subjects. These studies are crucial for developing new treatments and improving existing therapies for metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidaemia.
• Assessing Efficacy: Evaluating how a new drug or intervention affects metabolic parameters such as glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and overall energy expenditure.
• Understanding Mechanisms: Investigating the underlying physiological mechanisms through which treatments exert their effects on metabolism.
• Safety Evaluation: Monitoring potential side effects associated with interventions, particularly those that may impact metabolic health.
HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS
Phase 1 healthy volunteer studies are essential for evaluating the safety, efficacy and tolerability of new medications, or medical devices in humans. Phase 1 studies help researchers to understand what the new medicine does to the body and what the body does to the medicine. Healthy Volunteer studies are used to identify any potential side effects and to determine the dose of the medicine to be used in later phases of development. The risk of participation in Healthy Volunteer studies should never be more than minimal.