Clinical trial spotlight: New pediatric research program

In collaboration with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and UNMC, the Child Health Research Institute is implementing a new Primary Care-Pediatric Research Expansion Program (PC-PREP). The program seeks to increase research opportunities for patients and the community through Children’s Physicians clinics.

By utilizing primary care settings, PC-PREP connects pediatric patients and their caregivers to relevant, industry-based clinical studies. Brad Brabec, MD, research director of PC-PREP, knows first-hand how access to these clinical trials could result in a difference in the lives of patients.

“Our participation in various studies could result in the publication of several papers, but more importantly, the development of various products such as infant formulas, medications and vaccines that could potentially be marketed and used someday both nationally and globally,” Dr. Brabec said.

Currently, PC-PREP is recruiting participants for three clinical studies: a newborn formula study, a chickenpox vaccine study and a COVID-19 antiviral medication study.

Newborn formula study (IRB #0751-21-CB)

• Newborns up to 14 days old are eligible to enroll.
• All formula will be provided at no cost to the participant or their family.
• This research helps explore options for infant and toddler formula.

Chickenpox vaccine study (IRB #879-21-CB)

• Toddlers 12 to 15 months old are eligible to enroll.
• This research helps explore more chickenpox vaccination options.

COVID antiviral medication study (IRB #174-22-CB)

• Children from infancy to 18 years old are eligible to enroll.
• It is focused on children with other comorbidities who have had COVID symptoms within the past five days.
• This research helps explore COVID antiviral medication options for children.

Through PC-PREP’s clinical studies, the program can bring cutting-edge research, technology and resources to diverse patient groups. 

To get involved in a study, email pedsresearch@unmc.edu with your name, phone number and the study you are considering. For more information about the research program, visit the PC-PREP studies website.