Click here for a PDF list of current Research Studies

We need participants for the following Clinical Trials Research Studies, Airways, Allergy, sleep and Healthy Volunteers 
– if you’re interested in taking part please contact the researcher listed below
– OR email volunteers@woolcock.org.au to register.

All participants are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses. Results of screening and study tests and procedures are made available to all participants. All visits to the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research take place in Glebe, Sydney. Parking is available, and bus routes 431, 433 and 370 stop near to the Institute.

Herpes Zoster Study

We are currently running two studies, clinical vaccination trial to assess the efficacey, safety, and immunogenicity of a vaccine for herpes Zoster when administered intramuscularly on a 0, 2-month schedule in adults. ZOSTER-006 enrolling subjects ≥ 50 years or older and ZOSTER-022 enrolling subjects ≥ 70 years or older. If you are in either age group have no history of Herpes Zoster and have not been immunized previously you may be eligible for this study.
Contact: Scott Henry on (02) 9114 0450, scotthenry@woolcock.org.au or volunteers@woolcock.org.au
 

AIRWAYS RESEARCH

Healthy volunteers - Airway Sensitivity in Asthma
We are currently seeking healthy people for a research study investigating why the airways of asthmatics are so sensitive to airborne triggers. The study involves two visits lasting approximately 90 minutes and you will be reimbursed for your time. We are seeking healthy, non-smoking, non-asthmatic volunteers over the age of 18.
Contact: David Chapman (02) 9114 0148, dcha7069@woolcock.org.au

Airway Wall Thickness in Asthma study
If you have asthma and are aged 17 years or over and a non-smoker we invite you to participate in a research study to understand the causes of asthma.
Contact: Jess Kermode (02) 9114 0146, volunteers@woolcock.org.au

Bronchoscopy Study
We are seeking asthmatics as well as healthy people for a research study into the mechanisms of asthma. The project involves a procedure called a bronchoscopy to obtain cells from the airways. You will have lung function testing (you will receive your results) and the bronchoscopy. There will be three two hour visits and you will be reimbursed for your time.
Contact: Brian Oliver (02) 9114 0367, asthma@med.usyd.edu.au

COPD Study (ICS Withdrawal Study)
We are looking for past or current smokers aged 40 or older with COPD, Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema who have had at least one respiratory exacerbation in the last 12 months. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of withdrawing inhaled corticosteroid medication to clarify the need for chronic use of inhaled steroids in COPD. This is a 52-week study.
Contact: Anne-Marie Kazzi (02) 9114 0451 or Faye Farhat on (02 9114 0452
annemariekazzi@woolcock.org.au or fayefarhat@woolcock.org.au

COPD Study (QVA149)
We are looking for current or past smokers aged 40 or older with COPD, Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema. This study will be assessing the effectiveness of a combination of a long acting beta agonist and long acting anti-cholinergic and the effect it will have on improving lung function. This is a 28 week study.
Contact: Anne-Marie Kazzi (02) 9114 0451 or Faye Farhat on (02 9114 0452) annemariekazzi@woolcock.org.au or fayefarhat@woolcock.org.au

Bronchiecstasis Study (B-305)
We are looking for people 18years or older who have been diagnosed with non cystic fibrosis Bronchiecstasis who have had two lung infections in the past 12months. The purpose of this study is to assess the affect of inhaled mannitol in the treatment of lung infections in people with Bronchiecstasis. This is a 13 month study.
Contact: Emma Murphy (02) 9114 0444 or Julia Chapman (02) 9114 0449
emmamurphy@woolcock.org.au or juliachapman@woolcock.org.au

Asthma Study (ACT129)
We are looking for patients aged 18 – 65 years. If you have not been admitted for asthma within the past 6 months and have not required inhaled steroid treatment for asthma within the past 4 weeks or oral steroids in the past 3 months you may be eligible for this trial. The study includes 8 visits to the clinic at The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe over a 16 week period.
Contact: Anne-Marie Kazzi (02) 9114 0451 or Faye Farhat on (02 9114 0452
 annemariekazzi@woolcock.org.au or fayefarhat@woolcock.org.au

Asthma Flu Study (SG005 Study)
We are looking for patients aged 18 – 65 years.  If you can answer yes to the following question “Does a cold make your asthma worse?” You may be eligible for this study testing the efficacy of the medication. The study duration is 14 months with intensive visits when flu symptoms occur. SMS messaging will be used in this study and it is required you have access to a mobile phone to answer questionnaires throughout the study. All visits will be at The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe.
Contact: Anne-Marie Kazzi (02) 9114 0451 or Faye Farhat on (02 9114 0452
 annemariekazzi@woolcock.org.au or fayefarhat@woolcock.org.au

Asthma Device Study (Wheeze Study)
This study is designed to evaluate the reliability of using a device called a wheezometer for use in asthma patients. If you are 8 to 40 years or over, have a diagnosis of asthma that is poorly controlled you may be eligible for this study. Study duration is approximately 4 weeks and involves 2 visits at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe.
Contact: Emma Murphy (02) 9114 0444 or Julia Chapman (02) 9114 0449
emmamurphy@woolcock.org.au or juliachapman@woolcock.org.au

COPD Observation Study (PACE Study)
This study is an observational study designed to evaluate COPD exacerbations. If you are 40 years or older, diagnosed with COPD, and have had at least one exacerbation requiring treatment in the last year you may be eligible for this study. The study runs for 24 weeks and involves 4 visits at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe.
Contact: Emma Murphy (02) 9114 0444 or Julia Chapman (02) 9114 0449
emmamurphy@woolcock.org.au or juliachapman@woolcock.org.au

COPD Study ( HI-005 Study)
If you are aged 40 – 80 years of age, with a diagnosis of COPD and a history of at least one exacerbation in the last 12 months you may be eligible for this study.  The study involves taking a tablet to test how effective it is in reducing exacerbations. The study runs for approx 9 months and involves 7 visits at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe.
Contact: Emma Murphy (02) 9114 0444 or Julia Chapman (02) 9114 0449
emmamurphy@woolcock.org.au or juliachapman@woolcock.org.au

ALLERGY RESEARCH

Healthy Volunteers – Changes in Nasal Resistance
If you have a normal, healthy nose, we invite you to participate in a study investigating the effect of a nasal spray on changes in nasal resistance. You may be suitable to take part if you are between 18-65 years of age, do not suffer from allergies, rhinitis, or asthma and do not have nasal polyps or a nasal septal deviation. You would be required to attend only a single visit that will last approximately 1 hour.
Contact: Amanda Greenwood (02) 9114 0411, volunteers@woolcock.org.au

SLEEP RESEARCH

COPD/Sleep apnea
We are looking for people who have both COPD and sleep apnea. If you have COPD and snore, then you may be eligible for the trial. This study is looking at the effects of CPAP treatment on lung function and quality of life. It is a 6 month study.
Contact: Roo Killick (02) 9114 0499, rookillick@woolcock.org.au

INSOMNIA Study (MK4304-029)
We are looking for people aged 18 years and over who have had difficulty maintaining sleep for at least the past month. Participants must not have any other sleep disorders or serious medical conditions. This research study is being conducted at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe and will involve 6 overnight stays in the sleep lab over a 4 month period.  Reimbursement for overnight stays approved by Ethics for this study.
Contact: Emma Murphy (02) 9114 0444 or Julia Chapman (02) 9114 0449
emmamurphy@woolcock.org.au or juliachapman@woolcock.org.au

SLEEP APNEA (Device Study – Open Trial)
We are looking for people aged 18 to 65 years, who have evidence of moderate to severe snoring and a complete set of lower teeth. This study involves 2 – 3 overnight stays in the sleep laboratory at Glebe.
This study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a tongue retainment device. Study duration is approximately 2 months.
Contact: Emma Murphy (02) 9114 0444 or Julia Chapman (02) 9114 0449
emmamurphy@woolcock.org.au or juliachapman@woolcock.org.au

Do you catch up on sleep at the weekends?
We are looking for men aged between 18 and 50 who sleep more at the weekends than during the week, to look into whether this affects health. This study involves 2 weekends spent at the research institute, for which you will be reimbursed for your time.
Contact: Roo Killick (02) 9114 0499, rookillick@woolcock.org.au

CPAPED2 study
If you are male and aged 18-65 in a stable relationship, have obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction you may be eligible for this study. Study participants take part in a research study to see if CPAP and medication can improve erectile function"
The study runs for approx 3 months and visits are at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe.
Contact details: Kerri Melehan (02) 91140498, kerrim@woolcock.org.au