In 2024, Momentum Clinical Research was called upon to conduct a large-scale vaccine trial under uniquely challenging circumstances. The unprecedented stop/start/pause nature of this study involved multiple protocol amendments and shifting start dates. Once the final go-ahead arrived, we had just three weeks to re-engage participants with updated messaging and finish recruiting our target of 2,000 participants across 12 sites in New Zealand and Australia.

Despite the trial being closed after just six days, Momentum quickly made a significant contribution to recruitment. 

• 530 randomised participants
• 27% of total study recruitment for the trial—accomplished in only six days
• Number one recruiting network across Australia and New Zealand
• 74% more participants randomised than the next highest recruiting network
• Screen-fail rate at 7%, notably lower than the 10.7% study average
• Two sites in the Top 10 highest recruiters (Kapiti ranked 3rd, Wellington ranked 7th)
• Healthy volunteer and vaccine database now stands at 20,000+ participants

Momentum Clinical Research was the highest recruiting site in Australia with a study conducted in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic from 2019- 2022. The study successfully lead to the Mounjaro medication going to market to improve HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Clinical Research Papers published:

Tirzepatide versus insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk (SURPASS-4): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, phase 3 trial. Del Prato S, Kahn SE, Pavo I, et al on behalf of the SURPASS-4 Investigators. Lancet 2021 Nov 13 398(10313);1811-1824

Study Aim

GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones released from the gut that regulate insulin response to a meal. GLP-1 receptor agonists (eg Ozempic) are recommended by clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Like GLP-1, GIP also promotes insulin secretion after a meal and reduces bodyweight by enhancing satiety. Unlike GLP-1, GIP exerts glucagonotropic effects and favourably effects lipid homoeostasis. These complimentary properties of GLP-1 and GIP stimulated the development of the dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

 Results: 

In people with type 2 diabetes and elevated cardiovascular risk, tirzepatide, compared with insulin glargine, demonstrated greater and clinically meaningful HbA1c reduction with a lower incidence of hypoglycaemia at week 52.

Momentum Clinical Research sites participated in a study that successfully led to the Repatha medication being developed to lower LDL cholesterol levels. 

Clinical Research Papers published:

Efficacy and Safety of Evolocumab in Reducing Lipids and Cardiovascular Events. Sabatine MS, Giugliano RP, Wiviott SD et al for the OSLER) investigators. N Engl J Med 2015;372:1500-1509

Study Aim: 

Reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels has proved to be highly effective in reducing rates of major cardiovascular events, so LDL cholesterol reduction has been incorporated into practice guidelines as a fundamental means of reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. THis study looked a new class of molcule (a monoclonal antibody) that inhibit proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged that very effectively lower LDL. cholesterol levels. 

Results: 

Evolocumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, typically achieved approximately a 60% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels when compared with conventional therapy alone. In addition, an exploratory analysis showed that a number of cardiovascular events, when combined in a composite of all cardiovascular events, those receiving the new treatment had a significantly lower rate of all cardiovascular events (about half) than did patients in the standard-therapy group.

Momentum Clinical Research sites participated in a research study between 2014 and 2016 that successfully led to the Trelegy Ellipta triple therapy inhaler being developed for people with COPD. 

Clinical Research Papers published:

Triple inhaled therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Montuschi P, Malerba M,  Macis G, et al. Drug Discovery Today Volume 21, Issue 11, November 2016, Pages 1820-1827
Once-Daily Single-Inhaler Triple versus Dual Therapy in Patients with COPD. Lipson DA, Barnhart F, Brealey N et al for the IMPACT Investigators. N Engl J Med 2018;378:1671-1680

Study Aim: 

Triple therapy in a single inhaler is a new therapeutic option for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Combining individual drugs in a single inhaler is the most convenient way to deliver triple therap - a long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (LAMA) added to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) fixed-dose combination (FDC) could improve efficacy of pharmacological treatment of patients with COPD. 

Results: 

Triple therapy with fluticasone furoate (ICS), umeclidinium, (LAMA) and vilanterol (LABA) resulted in a lower rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations than fluticasone furoate–vilanterol or umeclidinium–vilanterol in this population. Triple therapy also resulted in a lower rate of hospitalisation due to COPD than umeclidinium–vilanterol.