Cedars-Sinai is making swift strides in its mission to expand its clinical research enterprise and spearhead a robust and collaborative clinical trials network.

A marker of success for the Academic Clinical Research Office: Cedars-Sinai’s designation as a clinical coordinating center for the NAILIT study. The randomized, controlled trial tests an investigational inpatient drug for acute pulmonary embolism across 15 sites, including Cleveland Clinic.

"Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, and the most aggressive existing treatment carries significant risk," said Oren Friedman, MD, principal investigator for NAILIT. "The idea of bringing safe, more aggressive therapy to people across the world is really exciting."

NAILIT represents a major undertaking made possible by recent investments in infrastructure and a focus on strategic planning meant to facilitate the expedient expansion of trials to more institutions, said Michael Farkouh, MD, vice dean for Research and Clinical Trials at Cedars-Sinai.

"At Cedars-Sinai, sound clinical practices that champion patient safety are paramount," Farkouh said.

The emphasis on technology is equally robust.

"Streamlined systems and enhanced data capabilities mean we can adhere to regulatory requirements while championing impeccable research standards," he said.

The renewed research emphasis also will foster investigator-initiated trials. Cedars-Sinai provides an ideal environment for researchers to translate findings into practice quickly, efficiently and safely to generate immediate and direct impact on patients locally and worldwide.

"We’re not waiting for the science to advance; we’re leveraging our excellent talent to break new ground," Farkouh said.