Susan Angel

CNS Healthcare leads clinical research industry in research, patient care

Behind the walls of a seemingly average doctors’ office is a dynamic clinical research team that leads the nation in research and patient care.

CNS Healthcare (Clinical Neuroscience Solutions, Inc.) has conducted world-class research for 15 years in the hunt for new and improved treatments for disorders and diseases affecting both the physical and mental well-being of men, women and children. The clinical research firm has expanded from a sole-study, single-site research firm established in 1996 to three research centers, including one on Southpointe Drive in Jacksonville, a location in Orlando on West Gore Street and another on Poplar Avenue in Memphis.

Collaborative alliances with leading global pharmaceutical firms such as AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Forest Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Shire Pharmaceuticals, along with community partners, clinical trial volunteers, and staff, have led to the development of some 40 medications including Depakote®, Abilify®, Lyrica®, Pristiq^TM, Vyvanse^TM, Lunesta®, and Zoloft®. All are now FDA-approved and used in treating disorders ranging from ADHD to Alzheimer’s.

“Our research focuses on very novel compounds,” said Susan Angel, an adult nurse practitioner who served as an executive at two Jacksonville psychiatric hospitals before joining CNS as a sub-investigator. “We get a snapshot of what’s going on with a patient. It’s not our goal or objective to take the place of the primary care provider (PCP) or psychiatrist, but to enhance healthcare and to provide the patient with options for treatment the PCP cannot.”

Angel said the firm refers clinical trial applicants to PCPs when they don’t fit the bill for particular clinical trials. “We recruit volunteers for our research studies; however, most volunteers come to us through referrals or word-of mouth from their family, friends, or co-workers,” she said.

Ongoing clinical trials include pediatric ADHD, bipolar disorder, binge eating, pediatric and adult depression, diabetes, fatigue, constipation from pain medications and smoking cessation. Two studies needing clinical trial volunteers involve emotional overeaters and those who aren’t finding relief from anti-depressants. They also conduct pediatric trials in ADHD and geriatric studies in Alzheimer's disease.

“It’s reassuring to know there’s no cost to take part in a clinical trial and no need to have health insurance,” said Angel. “Since patient identity remains 100 percent confidential in a clinical trial, even those who have the benefit of health insurance regularly seek help from CNS Healthcare to maintain privacy from their employer and health insurance provider. This is especially common when dealing with mental health conditions that may have an effect on their job security.”

Patricia Brown, PhD, ARNP, and sub-investigator with the Orlando location, adds that,  “CNS’s pledge of confidentiality has attracted volunteers with insurance who don’t want to use their health insurance coverage. These people know that they will receive care and remain anonymous while in a study without compromising their job standing. This is especially important with some of the more complex mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and depression.”

A CNS patient who prefers to remain anonymous said, “I have great health insurance and a great job. But there was no way that I would’ve used my insurance plan to deal with the anxiety I was feeling. I was afraid that my boss would find out and that I might lose my job. I signed up for a clinical trial and received great care without using my insurance.”

Brown says that CNS Healthcare welcomes all comers.

“Our vision is to be the best clinical trial company in America,” said Brown, a University of Miami graduate who has conducted more than 75 trials. “Our mission is to advance safe and effective pharmaceuticals to improve the quality of healthcare worldwide.”

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