Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is the most common known genetic cause of severe obesity, occurring in a frequency of 1 in 25,000. Subjects with PWS suffer from insatiable appetite, hyperphagia and severe overweight leading to the development of cardiovascular complications and increased mortality. Our studies are conducted in collaboration with the specialised Prader-Willi Clinic at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. Our research focuses on body composition, metabolism, appetite regulation and dysregulation of the autonomous nervous system. We are also testing the recently available drug Byetta® (Eli Lilly) in PWS looking into its effects on appetite and hormonal regulation.

The study involves visiting the clinical research facility at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research on:

• Two almost identical visits where we serve a standardized western-style high carbohydrate / high-fat breakfast and measure various markers in blood during the 4 hours after the meal.

Travel costs (to cover transportation to and from Garvan) and lunch are included.

If you are interested please phone Ms Patricia Humphreys on (02) 9295 8257 OR Dr Alex Viardot on (02) or 9295 8313 / 0405457732

The study been approved by the St Vincent’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref no: H06/130 and H07/45).

  Close

Volunteers needed!

Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and weak increasing the risk of fracture. Half of all women over 60 in Australia will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Fractures can be painful and restrict activity. At the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, we conduct research into
osteoporosis and its treatment.

We are looking for female volunteers who are:

• 55 years or older
• post-menopausal
• have been diagnosed with osteoporosis
• started on osteoporosis treatment within the last 18 months
• interested in participating in a clinical study comparing two medications for the treatment of osteoporosis over one year.

MORE INFORMATION

Please contact:

Ruth Toppler        (02) 9295 8269
Or
Maureen Gaynor    (02) 9295 8255

This study has been approved by the St Vincent’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee Ref. No: 09/120  

  Close

We are looking for male and female volunteers, aged between 40-80 years who are taking medication for high blood pressure.

The study is investigating the effects of medication on metabolism and body weight, and involves two visits to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research over a period of one week.

If you are interested and would like to know whether you are eligible, please contact Dr Paul Lee on: 9295 8486 (p.lee@garvan.com.au) or Amanda Xuereb on: 9295 8232 (a.xuereb@garvan.com.au).

This study has been approved by the St Vincent’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref no: 08/032).

  Close

This study is investigating new causes of diabetes, which may lead to new diagnostic tests and treatments. To do this we are looking at the differences in metabolism of people with and without diabetes. We need three groups of volunteers aged 40-70 years:

• lean and healthy
• overweight without diabetes
• overweight with diabetes for less than 5 years and not taking insulin

We would prefer non-smokers, those who drink less than 4 standard drinks per day, and people not taking diet pills or supplements.

The study involves coming to the Garvan Institute on two occasions:

• First for a screening visit where blood is taken
• Second, for a whole day study visit. During this time we will measure your insulin resistance, your body fat percentage and distribution, and markers of stress. We also take 2 muscle biopsies to look at metabolism (insulin signalling) in the muscle.

Travel costs (including parking), lunch, and a small additional reimbursement are included.

If you are interested and fit the criteria, please contact:

Ashley
a.douglas@garvan.org.au or (02) 9295 8233

or 

Katherine
k.tonks@garvan.org.au or (02) 9295 8218

  Close

This study is investigating  whether taking Glutamine (an amino acid) can improve insulin production in the body and help people with type 2 diabetes improve the control of their diabetes.

We need volunteers:

• aged 40-70 years
• and who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the last five years
• and are taking Diabex, Diaformin or Glucophage (medication name is metformin)
• and are not taking any other type of Diabetes medication
  

We would prefer non-smokers, those who drink less than 4 standard drinks per day, and people not taking diet pills or supplements.

The study involves coming to the Garvan Institute on the following occasions:

• First for a screening visit where blood is taken
• Then for four study visits over four months. On these visits we will measure hormone levels in the blood for one hour after we give you glucose through a drip and following a meal

Travel costs (including parking) and lunch are included.

If you are interested and fit the criteria, please contact:

Olivia Wong

o.wong@garvan.org.au or (02) 9295 8233

  Close

The Pre-diabetes study investigates early mechanisms leading to insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes in individuals with a strong family history of type-2 diabetes.
We need volunteers aged 25-65 years that are either lean or overweight, with or without a family history of type-2 diabetes.

We would prefer non-smokers, those who drink less than 2 standard drinks per day, and people with stable weight during the past 6 months without any inflammatory conditions (eg. arthritis).
 
The study involves visiting the clinical research facility at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research on 2-4 occasions:

• A short screening visit where blood is taken
• A longer study visit where we perform sophisticated measures of insulin secretion, insulin action, and body composition (6-7 hours)
  
• Optional 2 more visits where we serve a standardized high carbohydrate or high-fat meals (breakfast) and measure various markers in blood during 4 hours after the meal

Travel costs (to cover transportation to and from Garvan) and lunch are included.

If you are interested and fit the criteria, please phone:

Ms Patricia Humphreys on (02) 9295 8257

OR

  Close