Clinical Trials for Liver Disease

The Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research conducts clinical trials of new medications for the treatment of liver disease. The Outpatient Research Clinic is located on the third floor of the Claude Moore Health Education and Research Center building on the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. The expertise of our staff allows us to perform Phase II through Phase III clinical trials.

The goal of conducting clinical research is to provide individuals with chronic illnesses access to the latest advances in medical research. Patient safety and adherence to study protocols are of highest importance at the research center.

Our experienced investigators and personnel perform phlebotomy, specimen processing, ECGs, drug administration, dispensation and handling of specimen packaging, shipping and storage. The unit is also equipped with a pharmacokinetic suite where patients can remain on-site for up to 12 hours at a time.

Current Open Trials

The RESOLVE-IT Study

Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Elafibranor Versus Placebo in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Sponsored by Genfit
For trial details, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02704403

The AURORA Study

Phase 3 Study for the Efficacy and Safety of cenicriviroc for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis in Adults With NASH
Sponsored by Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.
For trial details, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT03028740

The NAFLD/IR Study

This investigator-sponsored trial evaluates the effect of individualized lifestyle intervention in non-diabetic patients with NAFLD.
Sponsored by Inova Outcomes Research
For trial details, visit Inova Outcomes Research

If You Are Interested, Contact:

Brian Lam, PA-C at brian.lam@inova.org or 703-776-6430
Rebecca Cable, CRC at rebecca.cable@inova.org or 703-776-3592
Records can be faxed to 703-776-2227

Clinical Trials Team

James Cooper, MD

Under the Inova/George Mason University (GMU) collaborative research agreement, Dr. James Cooper is currently participating as a research advisor for a number of clinical studies within the Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program at Inova. He serves as director of Medical Research Development and is a professor in the College of Science at GMU. He previously was assistant dean and professor of medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. He also was Inova's medical director of Research and Education. He especially enjoys working with the highly skilled and dedicated research team on important and groundbreaking hepatology clinical trials. Dr. Cooper can be reached at james.cooper@inova.org.

Nila Rafiq, MD

Nila Rafiq is an internist at Inova Fairfax Hospital and is participating as a principal investigator for a number of clinical studies within the Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program at Inova. She is an assistant professor at George Washington School of Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She has taken part in many clinical trials for hepatitis C and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. She completed a hepatology fellowship with Dr. Younossi. She is excited to be part of the research team and looks forward to the new upcoming developments in hepatology.

Brian Lam, PA-C

As a physician assistant and research investigator at Inova, Brian Lam has enjoyed working in hepatology for over a decade. From translational research to clinical trials, he has been privileged to work with an exceptional team at Inova’s Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program and Center for Liver Diseases. Our center has participated in many clinical trials for hepatitis C, and now that many of these DAA medications are FDA-approved, Brian has enjoyed applying his expertise to everyday clinical practice. Brian also has particular interests in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cholestatic liver diseases. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of California Los Angeles and then completed his physician assistant studies at the George Washington University. In his free time, Brian enjoys Legos and sports with his wife and school-aged children. Brian looks forward to more advances in hepatology in the upcoming years. Brian can be contacted at brian.lam@inova.org.

Rebecca Cable, CCRC, CCRP

Rebecca Cable is a clinical research coordinator who has over 9 years of experience working in liver disease research. She enjoys the personal interactions with patients and is privileged to be part of the latest advances in hepatology. Rebecca finds this career rewarding and hopes to further her knowledge in research. She has acquired both a certified clinical research coordinator (CCRC) and certified clinical research professional (CCRP) certification. Rebecca attended West Virginia University where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and nutrition. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys being active and spending time with her husband and son. Rebecca can be reached at rebecca.cable@inova.org or 703-776-3592.

Mariam Afendy, BS

Mariam Afendy is a clinical research coordinator with more than 5 years of experience. Mariam has valued her personal interaction with patients as they progress through their journey in their clinical trial. She looks forward to being part of the next wave of liver-based clinical trials focusing on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. Mariam obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at George Mason University in health systems management. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and working on her Master of Public Health degree. Mariam can be contacted at mariam.afendy@inova.org or 703-776-2056.

Jane Pham, CCRC

Jane (Huong) Pham is a clinical research coordinator with over 8 years of experience working in liver disease research. She received her medical assistant certificate in 2009, her certified clinical research coordinator (CCRC) certificate in 2013, and has been working toward a nursing degree to broaden and enhance her clinical knowledge. Jane particularly enjoys the personal interactions with patients and is thrilled to be part of the newest advances in hepatology. Jane is a native of Northern Virginia and in her personal time she enjoys fishing and spending time with her family. Jane can be contacted at huong.pham@inova.org or 703-776-4999.