Clinical trial underway at Gibson Center for Behavioral Change

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A clinical trial and partnership will be held at Gibson Center for Behavioral Change.

The trial is funded by The National Institute on Drug Abuse grant for $2.1 million, and also consists of the University of Cincinnati and Spark Biomedical.

The ultimate goal of the project is to increase treatment retention for patients with opioid use disorder and PTSD.

“The aim is to keep them in engaged into services longer,” said Ryan Essex, chief operating officer of Gibson Center.

According to Essex, “Spark Biomedical, which is a device company, will provide the Sparrow Ascent device.”

The Sparrow Ascent device is a tool that will give patients direct control over part of their recovery, and one out of two ways the trial will be presented to patients.

“Each patient, depending on which phase of the trial, or which arm of the trial they’re randomized into to will be monitored and followed for three months,” said Essex..

The clinic’s mission is to enroll about 20 participants into next year, with the goal being to continue the project into the next few years.

“There are some very specific qualifications involved in being a part of this trial. If individuals would like to learn more about what those qualifications are, they can call us at 573-332-0416,” said Essex.