Chandler clinic’s studies don’t require payments or insurance

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

In August 2024, MD First Research Chandler earned a dementia-friendly business designation.

That was just one of many milestones and accolades for the Chandler clinic where dozens of medical studies have taken place.

The clinic opened officially in 2016 and has been at its current 3190 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 5 location since 2017, according to Director Giulia Andrews.

And according to Penny Kalscheur, MD First Research Chandler’s clinical research marketing director, the significant changes planned or expected with Medicare and Medicaid in the years ahead won’t affect their studies or clients.

“All study-related medical exams, lab tests, and treatments are covered by the study sponsor, so participants do not need insurance or pay out of pocket for these services,” Kalscheur said. “Assistance with travel may also be provided to help make participation accessible.”

The clinic’s led by Dr. Hemant K. Pandey, M.D., a board-certified neurologist, dementia, and sleep specialist.

In affiliation with the Brain and Spine Center and Nuronz, MD First Research specializes in clinical trials for conditions such as dementia, diabetes, migraines, and neuropathy.

Kalscheur said the team brings more than 20 years of experience in treating neurological conditions and chronic illnesses.

“We are currently conducting memory screenings in the office that includes a complimentary biomarker blood plasma test that is 95% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s disease, for those that qualify,” Kalscheur said. This groundbreaking test represents a significant advancement in early detection and care strategies."

Kalscheur said MD First has also partnered with Amydis for an eye study related to Alzheimer’s disease and is actively working to expand our research portfolio, with plans to launch new trials addressing additional conditions soon.

The clinic is helping to shape the future of patient care through research, she said.

Pandey, via Kalscheur as spokesperson, said a major concern for the future is the rapid growth of the dementia market and the importance of ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to provide quality care for this population.

The average age of Chandler and of Arizona residents is slowly rising, along with the average for the U.S.

Kalscheur said in addition to sponsors covering all medical and travel expenses related to studies, participants often can receive therapies years before those become publicly available.

She said there is education and screenings beforehand, as well as ongoing “around-the-clock” support to ensure safety and comfort throughout each study.

Here are MD First’s current clinical studies and research initiatives:

• Migraines: Two active studies; an Ipsen study will be closing soon

•Lower back pain: One active study

•Hypertension: One active study

• Neuropathy nerve pain: One active study

Here are MD First’s upcoming C=clinical studies:

• Annovis: Early Alzheimer’s study

• Biohaven Therapeutics, Ltd: Early Parkinson’s disease

• Eli Lilly: Early Alzheimer’s Study

• Merz Therapeutics: Xeomin for the prevention of chronic migraine

• Merz Therapeutics: Xeomin for the prevention of episodic migraine

Anyone interested in the studies listed above or who wants to know what other studies are on the horizon can contact the office at 623-267-8314 or online through mdfirstresearchaz.com/studies.

Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org

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INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.