ORPHEUS study investigates new solutions for the treatment of stuttering
Gerald Maguire, MD, iStutter Center’s Global Medical Doctor, is the Principal Investigator of the ORPHEUS study, which aims to test if a novel medication (gemlapodect) helps to improve speech fluency in men aged 18-55 whose stuttering started as a child.
If you fall into this category and you are a resident in the USA or Australia, you may wish to participate in this research study: https://www.orpheusstudy.com
“People who stutter are looking for solutions that would enable them to achieve their full potential, both personally and professionally. In the absence of any FDA approved therapies for this condition that affects over one percent of our population, persons who stutter are eagerly awaiting an effective, safe, and proven therapy”, explained Dr. Maguire, when the recruitment of the first patient was announced.
Those interested in participating, will start by answering a pre-screening questionnaire, then they will be seen by a study doctor with experience managing stuttering in adults, who will explain to them what taking part in the study involves. If they decide to take part, they will be asked to sign an informed consent form. To be noted that every participant is free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason.
This study is what is called “placebo-controlled, double-blind study”, which means that there is a 50-50 chance of receiving an active medicine or an inactive medicine (i.e., a placebo), and that neither the participant nor the research team knows which one is being taken.
The 70 participants will make approximately 12 visits to their chosen study site, and 2 remote visits, over a period of around 18 weeks. They will be followed by an experienced medical team, and their health will be closely monitored.
Taking part in a clinical trial like ORPHEUS may help to improve medical knowledge about stuttering and has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people who stutter worldwide.
iStutter Team