Healthy aging
Anti-aging study
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Aging and Metabolism program is working to improve medical and treatment practices by developing a better understanding of the biological process of aging.
Why study aging?
As we grow older, we are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and many other conditions that are difficult and expensive to treat. Scientists believe that slowing aging may delay or prevent chronic diseases rather than treating these diseases one at a time.
Join our study
We are studying ways to make sure all individuals benefit from exercise training to improve their healthspan.
We are looking for participants who are:
- 60 years of age or older.
- In good health.
- Complete less than two days per week of regular endurance exercise and/or resistance (i.e. strength) exercise training during the past year.
Once enrolled, you will be asked to complete several questionnaires, a scan to determine your body composition, exercise testing, blood draws, and a small muscle biopsy. You will then be placed on a supervised exercise training program for either 12 or 22 weeks. You will be compensated for your time and effort.
Contact us to start today
Email Lena Fuentes
Call 405-271-7745 or complete the prescreening form to get started.
IRB #2024-0083. IRB approval date: 02/19/2025.
Lupus
For more information on any of the studies listed below, call 405-271-7805 or email us.
- Clarification of Abatacept Effects in SLE with Integrated Biologic and Clinical Approaches (The ABC Study), Protocol BMS-IM101-345 (ACTIVE)
- OMRF Evaluation of Belimumab Impact on a BLyS Activity Signature Test in the Absence on Confounding Polypharmacy (The BLAST Study) (ACTIVE)
- Predictors of Therapeutic Response in Lupus Nephritis (ACTIVE)
- MRI Evaluation Assessing Synovitis to Address the Unmet Need for Reliable Endpoints in SLE (the MEASURE trial), Protocol BMS IM101-636 (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind, Continuation Study Comparing the Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Orelvo (voclosporin) (23.7 mg Twice Daily) with Placebo in Subjects with Lupus Nephritis, AUR-VCS-2016-02 (ACTIVE – Closed to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Multicentre, Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Extension Study to Characterise the Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Anifrolumab in Adult Subjects with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Protocol D3461C00009 (TULIP LTE) (ACTIVE – Closed to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Phase 2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of BMS-986165 in Subjects with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Protocol IM011021 (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Phase 1b Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of TAK-079 in Combination With Standard Background Therapy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Protocol TAK-079-2001 (ACTIVE – Temporarily Closed to Enrollment)
- A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of BMS-986165 with Background Treatment in Subjects with Lupus Nephritis, Protocol IM011073 (ACTIVE – Temporarily Closed to Enrollment)
- A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase 3 Study of Baricitinib in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE-BRAVE), Protocol I4V-MC-JAIA (ACTIVE – Temporarily Closed to Enrollment)
- A Multi-Center Study to Characterize the Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of BMS-986165 in Subjects with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Protocol IM11074 (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Multi-Centre Long-Term Extension Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of GSK3196165 in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Protocol 209564 (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Dapirolizumab Pegol in Study Participants with Moderately to Severely Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Protocol SL0043 (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study To Evaluate The Efficacy and Safety of Obinutuzumab in Patients with ISN/RPS 2003 Class III or IV Lupus Nephritis, Protocol CA41705 (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Immunogenetic Studies of the De-identified Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Inception Cohort (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Antibody Mediated Spontaneous Abortion in Lupus Pregnancies (ACTIVE)
- Genetic and Immunologic Determinants of Adverse Outcomes in Lupus Pregnancies (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- EISAI-Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) Collaboration on Systemic Lupus Erythematous Genetics (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Dissecting Molecular Heterogeneity of SLE Patient Treatment Response (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Registry for Atherosclerosis, Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cancer Risks in SLE – The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) (ACTIVE – Closed to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Pre-Clinical Studies to Identify SLE Therapeutic Targets (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Understanding Early Events in Lupus to Aid in Prevention (ACTIVE)
- Molecular Dissection of Disease Heterogeneity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Study of anti-Malarials in Incomplete Lupus Erythematosus (SMILE) (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Granulopoiesis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Contribution of Dysregulated Granulopoiesis to SLE Pathogenesis (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Role of Dysregulated Myelopoiesis in SLE Pathogenesis (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- A Prospective Registry to Study Presentation, Clinical Course, Treatment Patterns, and Outcomes in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (ACTIVE)
- A 5-Year Prospective Observational Registry to Assess Adverse Events of Interests and Effectiveness in Adults with Active, Autoantibody-Positive Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treated With or Without BENLYSTA (belimumab), Protocol HGS1006-C1124 (SABLE) (ACTIVE – Closed to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Connecting People with Lupus to Improve Meaningful Benefits from Trials, the CLIMB study (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Systemic Lupus: Improving the Rationale for Treatment Choices in a Heterogeneous Disease (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Ascertaining Molecular Signatures of Active SLE (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Systems Signatures of Preclinical Lupus in Autoantibody Positive Blood Relatives (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Development of Immune Mediator Based Blood Tests that Inform Concurrent and Future Clinical Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Using Circulating Progenitor Cells to Examine the Role of Stem Cell Factor (SCF) in SLE Pathogenesis (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Algorithm Refinement to Predict Clinical Disease Flare through Longitudinal Assessment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
- Quantitative Analysis of Serum Autoantibody Repertoires in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (ACTIVE – Open to Enrollment/Accrual)
Rare Disease
MBTPS1 Related Disorders Research Group
MBTPS1 (membrane bound transcription factor peptidase, site 1) encodes a protease named site-1 protease (S1P) in the Golgi. S1P is considered a master regulator of lipid homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses, and lysosome biogenesis in mice or in cultured cells. However, how S1P differentially regulates these diverse functions in humans has been unclear.
In 2018, we discovered a pediatric patient with severe hypomorphic MBTPS1 composite mutations, resulting in severely retarded growth and skeletal anomalies, including spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with associated kyphosis and reduced bone mineral density. Elevated levels of blood lysosomal enzymes and congenital cataracts have also been observed. The disease was named after the first two authors of our research group as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kondo-Fu type (SEDKF).
MBTPS1 is essential for the formation of COP-II vesicle, which is critical for transport of nascent proteins between ER and Golgi. Uniquely, COP-II vesicles must be enlarged to accommodate huge molecules such as collagen. This mechanism involves several unique proteins. Of such proteins, heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47), a collagen-specific ER chaperone, binds to collagen for protein folding. Sedlin is recruited to ER membrane and facilitates the growth of COP-II vesicle. Tango1 is ER-localized transmembrane protein and required for accommodation of collagen into mega-vesicle through direct binding to collagen.
MBTPS1-related disorders are a group of genetic diseases that often have secretion defects in chondrocytes in the cartilages that cause skeletal dysplasia together and the following growth retardation due to genetic mutations of key regulators as described above in the secretory machinery. If too much collagen or other cargos fail to be secreted from cells and eventually accumulates within the cells, that can cause the skeletal organs to malfunction. Men and women of all races and ethnicities can be affected.
Join the study
We are looking for physicians and patients to participate in research on MBTPS1-related disorders.
We hope to enroll MBTPS1-related disorders patients for the study. Participants will undergo a screening process, complete questionnaires, and donate a small blood sample to be used for research. Participants must also provide consent to review medical records and request previous biopsies related to the disease.
For more information about joining, please call 405-271-7892 or email Dr. Wei Jeng.
Multiple Sclerosis
To determine whether newly developed treatments are safe and effective, physician-scientists rely on clinical trials. These studies are not only important research tools; they also provide patients with access to experimental therapies not yet widely available.
Because technologies and therapeutic options are continually developing, the OMRF Multiple Sclerosis Center uses clinical trials as one way of delivering cutting-edge treatments to our patients. Of course, participating in clinical trials is optional. But many choose to enroll to receive new therapies and improve standards of care for individuals with MS. Patients also receive medication, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and intensive medical evaluation and assessment—all at no cost.
Patients may also participate in our MS Center Registry and Repository. This unique research tool allows individuals with MS to provide clinical information and samples to help our physician-scientists better understand this complicated disease.
Clinical research is proving that with comprehensive disease management, we can impact the course of the disease, achieve normal or near-normal life expectancy, reduce the potential for significant disability, and improve quality of life.
For more information on any of our studies, call 405-271-6241 or email Micki Drake or Kellie Kraus.
Available studies
- Exploring the Safety and Tolerability of Conversion From Oral, Injectable or Infusion Disease Modifying Therapies to Dose-Titrated Oral Siponimod (Mayzent®) in Patients With Advancing Forms of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: A 6-Month Open Label, Multicenter Phase IIIb Study (EXCHANGE),” Protocol CBAF312AUS02
- A Multicenter, Longitudinal, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study Describing Cognitive Processing Speed Changes In Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Subjects Treated With Ozanimod (RPC-1063),” Protocol RPC-1063-MS-001 Enlighten
- A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind Efficacy and Safety Study Comparing SAR442168 to teriflunomide (Aubagio®) in Participants With Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis (GEMINI 1),” Protocol EFC16033
- A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel Group, Double Blind, Double Dummy, Active Controlled Study of Evobrutinib Compared with Teriflunomide, in Participants with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety,” Protocol MS200527_0080 Evolution
- A Single-arm, Prospective, Multicentre, Open-label Study to Evaluate Ofatumumab Treatment Effectiveness and Patient-reported Outcomes in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Transitioning from Dimethyl fumarate or Fingolimod Therapy,” Protocol COMB157G23101 ARTIOS
- A phase III multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenebrutinib compared with Teriflunomide in adult patients with RRMS. GN41851 Fenhance
- Cladribine Tablets: Collaborative Study to Evaluate the Impact On Central Nervous System Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis (CLOCK-MS)
Osteoarthritis
Jeffries’ lab investigates OA risk factors. He is particularly interested in connections between OA and our microbiome – the community of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in our bodies and especially within our gut. Jeffries’ lab has shown that microbiome transplantation in mice can significantly improve cartilage healing.
Wild Blueberries + Inflammation and Joint Pain
Are you living with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? OMRF scientists want to study the effects of wild blueberries on inflammation biomarkers in the blood and gut health.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Research Centers of Excellence are conducting a clinical nutrition study to analyze the effects of dietary wild blueberries on gut health and inflammation and joint pain.
Goals
The purpose of this study is to find out about the effects of blueberry intake on blood markers of inflammation and fecal bacteria and to examine how these effects may impact joint health.
Criteria for inclusion
- Between the age of 45-75
- Mid-to-moderate multi-joint osteoarthritis in one or both knees (must have a diagnosis with radiographic evidence) OR diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with no changes in immunosuppressive treatment in the past 12 weeks
Interested parties will be asked to complete questionnaires and screening tests as well as a medical history. If enrolled, you will begin the 26-week study and be provided with a blueberry or control (placebo) powder to consume twice daily for 12 weeks. After the initial 12 weeks is complete, participants will have two weeks where they do not consume the powder. After that two-week period, the powders will be switched and participants will continue the regimen for another 12 weeks. Participants will also be asked to keep a food log during the study.
Contact us to start today
Judy Goodman, Clinical Research Coordinator
405-271-7221
IRB #00001389. IRB approval date: 04/03/2025.
The SOONER Cohort Study
Cohort volunteers will undergo a screening process and, once enrolled, donate a microbiome and blood sample and get x-rays every six months at OMRF in Oklahoma City.
ARPA-H NITRO Study
This study will test a revolutionary one-injection-per-year treatment for knee osteoarthritis developed by our colleagues at Washington University. We are not yet enrolling for this study, as the injection is still being finalized. However, we encourage interested patients to join our SOONER Cohort. When the NITRO study is ready, the first enrollment spots will be offered to SOONER participants since we will have previous xrays, clinical information, and blood samples on these individuals.
Who can participate?
People of any age, gender or ethnicity with early to moderate OA of the knee, hand or hip qualify. OMRF will keep your information confidential and compensate you for your time.
Start Today
Contact us at 405-271-7221 or email clinic@omrf.org.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
For more information on any of the studies listed below, call 405-271-7805 or email us.
Wild Blueberries + Inflammation and Joint Pain
Are you living with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? OMRF scientists want to study the effects of wild blueberries on inflammation biomarkers in the blood and gut health.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Research Centers of Excellence are conducting a clinical nutrition study to analyze the effects of dietary wild blueberries on gut health and inflammation and joint pain.
Goals
The purpose of this study is to find out about the effects of blueberry intake on blood markers of inflammation and fecal bacteria and to examine how these effects may impact joint health.
Criteria for inclusion
- Between the age of 45-75
- Mid-to-moderate multi-joint osteoarthritis in one or both knees (must have a diagnosis with radiographic evidence) OR diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with no changes in immunosuppressive treatment in the past 12 weeks
Interested parties will be asked to complete questionnaires and screening tests as well as a medical history. If enrolled, you will begin the 26-week study and be provided with a blueberry or control (placebo) powder to consume twice daily for 12 weeks. After the initial 12 weeks is complete, participants will have two weeks where they do not consume the powder. After that two-week period, the powders will be switched and participants will continue the regimen for another 12 weeks. Participants will also be asked to keep a food log during the study.
Contact us to start today
Judy Goodman, Clinical Research Coordinator
405-271-7221
IRB #00001389. IRB approval date: 04/03/2025.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a painful condition where cells in the immune system that cause inflammation overreact and cluster together to form tiny lumps called granulomas. These cell clumps can form in the eyes, liver, skin and brain but most often are found in the lungs. If too many granulomas form in a single organ, they can cause the organ to malfunction or even fail completely.
Sarcoidosis is often more severe and prevalent in African Americans, but men and women of all races and ethnicities can be affected.
Sarcoidosis has both genetic and environmental risk factors that work in concert to influence disease onset and progression. We aim to identify these risk factors so that in the near future improved diagnosis, treatment and even disease prevention become a reality.
Sarcoidosis Research Unit
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Courtney Montgomery, Ph.D., leads a team of researchers, physicians and nurses dedicated to understanding the risk factors for sarcoidosis so that medical professionals can better diagnose, treat and someday even prevent this devastating disease.
Join our study
Scientists at OMRF can most effectively study sarcoidosis with the help of people like you who have been diagnosed with the condition.
If you decide to join us in this project, your participation includes undergoing a screening process, completing questionnaires, and once enrolled in the study, donating a small blood sample. Your information will be kept completely confidential, and you’ll receive $50 for your time and effort.
We study sarcoidosis in a real-world setting to better understand how it affects people like you.
Start today
Contact us via email to start the enrollment process today and help us unravel the mysteries of this challenging disease. To participate or receive more information about the Sarcoidosis Research Unit, fill out this form.
Sjögren’s
About Sjögren’s
Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system preferentially attacks a person’s own moisture-producing glands, such as those that produce saliva and tears. The disease can also affect other organs in the body. The cause is poorly understood but thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Sjögren’s disease is often present in patients with other autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Our Studies
Multiple OMRF laboratories are using powerful, cutting-edge technologies to gain new insight into a variety of autoimmune diseases. Major goals of our Sjögren’s studies include understanding how genes, environment and specific molecular pathways contribute to this disease. This research will provide valuable knowledge about Sjögren’s disease that may lead to the development of improved diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for individuals with this common and debilitating autoimmune disease. Our clinical research groups are focusing on understanding the clinical, demographic, biomarker and genomic heterogeneity of Sjögren’s patients, as well as also providing clinical trial options to Sjögren’s patients.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the study?
- Individuals with significant symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth.
- Individuals previously diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease.
- Parents and other family members (usually siblings) of enrolled Sjögren’s disease patients.
- Healthy individuals with no history of autoimmune disease.
Who is conducting the study?
This study is being conducted by a team of research scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and collaborators at the University of Oklahoma. The team consists of experts in oral medicine, ophthalmology, rheumatology, autoimmunity and genetics.
What does participation in the Sjögren’s study involve?
- Completion of questionnaires regarding past medical history and symptoms of Sjögren’s disease and other autoimmune diseases.
- Participation in a half-day clinical evaluation to assess the extent of oral, ocular and rheumatologic manifestations of Sjögren’s disease.
- Authorization of researchers to collect medical records related to the diagnoses and treatment of patients with Sjögren’s disease.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes, as required by the Privacy Act, all information is kept strictly private and confidential. The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will retain all data collected.
What is the compensation for participation?
An ophthalmologist, rheumatologist, and oral medicine expert will examine volunteers who qualify for the study and will perform specialized tests. The results of certain clinical and laboratory tests will be available that may be useful to a participant. These medical evaluations, provided at no cost to the volunteer, are worth approximately $2,600. Patients will be provided with the results of these evaluations and are encouraged to review them with their primary care physicians. In addition, all individuals who complete enrollment in the study will receive nominal monetary compensation for participation.
Clinical Trials
No Sjögren’s clinical trials currently open at OMRF.
Contact
If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about our Sjögren’s research studies, please contact us at 405-868-9412 or via e-mail.
Other
Oklahoma Rheumatic Disease Research Cores Center (ORDRCC)
The Oklahoma Rheumatic Disease Research Cores Center (ORDRCC) provides cutting-edge resources for answering clinically relevant questions. ORDRCC research focuses on rheumatic diseases, which are among the most common causes of disability in the U.S. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The ORDRCC has helped OMRF grow into a leader in rheumatic disease research and remains vital to our excellence in this field.
Our ORDRCC resides within the Arthritis and Clinical Immunology (ACI) Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) with additional Center investigators from other OMRF research programs, as well as from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) Divisions of Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
