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Arizona Neuroscience Research

About Us

Arizona Neuroscience Research shares facilities with the Center for Neurology and Spine. An established Neurology practice with three locations in the valley, providing collaborative individualized treatment plans. While they specialize in Multiple Sclerosis, they are proficient in all Neurological conditions (i.e., Headaches & Migraines, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cervical Dystonia, Seizures, Sleep Disorders, etc.).

There have been significant advances in therapies in the past 25 year that are attributed to what we have learned from clinical trials. The results of these trials have benefited the patients in these communities. At Arizona Neuroscience Research we are thankful for these participants contributions. Our Investigators are grateful to be in the forefront and provide opportunities for all patients to participate in the future of the treatments to come.

Our Team

Arizona Neuroscience Research is comprised of experienced clinical research coordinators who are passionate about working with patients to gather data that will lead to new therapies. We pride ourselves in educating the patients and our compassionate approach.

Rebecca Jones, MD

Rebecca Jones, MD

Dr. Rebecca Jones, an esteemed Mayo Clinic trained neurologist based at Center for Neurology and Spine in Phoenix, AZ, is a Principal Investigator at Arizona Neuroscience Research, LLC where she is at the forefront of developing new neurological treatments. Her work, particularly in multiple sclerosis and related disorders, involves leading clinical trials that explore innovative therapies and address the needs of diverse patient groups, a testament to her dedication to inclusive and comprehensive medical research. She has been instrumental in trials exploring novel treatments for multiple sclerosis and related neurological disorders, focusing on understanding disease progression and identifying biomarkers of neuronal damage. Dr. Jones’s dual role in research and clinical practice makes her a key contributor to advancing neurology, directly impacting patient care and the broader medical community.
Leslie Zuniga, MD

Leslie Zuniga, MD

Dr. Leslie Zuniga, a distinguished Mayo Clinic trained neurologist and Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist based at Center for Neurology and Spine in Phoenix, AZ, is making significant strides in neurological care as a Principal Investigator at Arizona Neuroscience Research, LLC. Renowned for her deep commitment to advancing medical knowledge, Dr. Zuniga leads pivotal research in developing new treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, migraine, and essential tremor. Her role in researching multiple sclerosis is particularly impactful, where as a certified specialist, she explores innovative therapies to offer advanced care options. Her research extends to other areas of neurology as well, focusing on more effective and targeted treatments to enhance patient quality of life. Dr. Zuniga’s dedication to clinical research, combined with her role in patient care, positions her uniquely to translate the latest scientific findings into effective treatments, ensuring her patients access to the most advanced care.
Jeffrey S. Gitt , MD

Jeffrey S. Gitt , MD

Dr. Jeffrey S. Gitt, originating from Detroit, Michigan, has carved a niche for himself in the realms of neurology and clinical research, with a particular focus in the Phoenix area. His academic odyssey commenced at the University of Michigan, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Zoology in 1979. His pursuit of medical excellence propelled him to the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California, where he emerged as a graduate in 1983. Following an internship at Phoenix General Hospital in 1984, Dr. Gitt further honed his expertise in neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center until 1987, also distinguishing himself as Chief Resident during this tenure.

Dr. Gitt’s professional standing is fortified by board certifications in Neurology by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and in Sleep Medicine by The American Board of Sleep Medicine, alongside being a recognized Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

A founding figure of both the HOPE Research Institute and Arizona Neuroscience Research, prominent multi-specialty clinical research organizations, Dr. Gitt has led the helm as a Principal Investigator in over 80 clinical drug trials. His investigative endeavors currently extend across a spectrum of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, underscoring his relentless commitment to advancing medical knowledge and treatments.

On the personal front, Dr. Gitt shares his life with Ellen, his wife of 40 years, and is a father to twin girls and a son. His leisure times are enlivened by his passion for hockey and guitar playing. His professional dedication and expertise have been acknowledged by his peers, earning him the “Top Doc” award in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2017.

In his roles at both the HOPE Research Institute and Arizona Neuroscience Research, Dr. Gitt embodies the convergence of professional excellence and profound commitment to enhancing the landscape of neurology and clinical research, steadfastly contributing to the advancement of treatment options for neurological disorders.

Ashely Mitchell

Ashely Mitchell

Ashely Mitchell is the Clinical Research Manager and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Arizona Neuroscience Research, bringing a diverse and rich background to her role. Her academic journey began at John A. Gupton Mortuary College in Nashville, TN, where she earned an Associate of Arts in Funeral Directing & Embalming, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences & Business Administration from Tusculum University in Greeneville, TN. Ashley’s career in the clinical research industry started in 2017 as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Ophthalmology, marking the beginning of her profound impact in the field. In 2019, she transitioned into Neuroscience as a Clinical Research Manager, further deepening her expertise. Her notable progression led to her promotion to Vice President of Strategic Partnerships in 2023, a role she commenced with Arizona Neuroscience Research on July 1, 2022. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashely enjoys an active lifestyle, indulging in hobbies like riding motorbikes and horses, playing volleyball, dancing, and spending quality time with her Double-Doodle puppy, Ducati. A dedicated member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), she is passionately committed to advancing research in neurological disorders and diseases, blending her unique educational background with her extensive experience to make significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.

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Research Studies

Currently enrolling studies:

(#308)  Essential Tremor (JZP385-201) 

Essential Tremor (JZP385-201) 

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that causes your hands, head, trunk, voice or legs to shake rhythmically.

This is a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study of the safety and efficacy of JZP385 in the treatment of adult participants with moderate to severe essential tremor.

  1. Participant must be 18 to 80 years of age inclusive, at the time of signing the informed consent.
  2. May stay on current essential tremor medication except for primidone.

Visits: Twelve study visits (both clinical and phone visits) over 21 weeks.

Enrollment: 400

Status: Open and Enrolling

Sponsor: Jazz Pharmaceuticals


https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05122650

(#237) Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (PTI-307-201 VISTA) 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination that results in the disruption of neuronal transmission and ultimately neurodegeneration and progressive disability. RRMS is defined by attacks or relapses of new MS symptoms.

This is a randomized, double-blind study of PIPE-307 or placebo in subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Subjects will be randomized into 1 of 3 separate cohorts (1:1:1 randomization ratio, PIPE-307 Dose A: PIPE-307 Dose B: Placebo) for a total duration of approximately 30 weeks.

  1. Subject is fluent in English.
  2. Male or female 18 to 50 years of age, inclusive, at the first Screening visit.
  3. A diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) according to the 2017 Revised McDonald Criteria.

Visits: Seven visits over approximately thirty-four weeks.

Enrollment: 168

Status: Open and Enrolling

Sponsor: Pipeline Therapeutics

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06083753?term=PIPE-307&rank=2

(#196) Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (COMB157GUS09 SOSTOS) 

This study will evaluate if relapsing-remitting MS patients that have not had a relapse in the past year would benefit from a switch to ofatumumab versus staying on their continued current therapy.

  1. Age 18-45

Visits: Thirteen visits over approximately twenty-one months plus 1 week for screening.

Enrollment: 150

Status: Open and Enrolling

Sponsor: Novartis

 

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05090371

(#384) Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (BLS-11-404 SIMPLE) 

This is a Prospective, Observational Study of Bafiertam Evaluating Persistence on Treatment, Safety, Tolerability, And Effectiveness In Routine Clinical Practice.

Adult participants with a diagnosis of RRMS who have been receiving continuous treatment with Bafiertam monotherapy per the approved product label for no more than 3 months (90 days) are eligible to enroll in the study. Their satisfaction with Bafiertam treatment will be assessed using a 9-Item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). To be included in the study, patients.

  1. Male or non-pregnant female aged 18 years and older.
  2. Participants diagnosed with Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis R(RMS) and satisfy the approved therapeutic indication for Bafiertam per the approved product labeling.
  3. Participants may enroll if they are within 90 days of initiating therapy with Bafiertam.

Visits: Four visits over approximately 12 months (clinical and phone visits permitted).

Enrollment: 100

Status: Enrolling by Invitation

Sponsor: Banner Life Sciences

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05978531

https://centerforneurologyandspine.com/

Upcoming Enrolling Studies

REMODEL 2

  • A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study, comparing the efficacy and safety of remibrutinib vs teriflunomide in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis, followed by extended treatment with open-label remibrutinib
    1. Age 18-55 years old
    2. One documented clinical relapse within 12 months or at least two documented relapses within the last 2 years OR the presence of at least one T1Gd+ lesion on MRI in the last 12 months
  • Visits: 13 study visits over approximately 2.5 years with a visit about every 3 months
  • Enrollment: 800 participants
  • Status: Upcoming enrollment
  • Sponsor: Novartis

Active Studies (Not currently enrolling)

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Studies:

COMB157GUS10 AGNOS

  • A Phase 4 open-label study to assess the effect of ofatumumab in very early RRMS patients compared against healthy controls
    1. Age 18-35
    2. Treatment naïve to MS treatment
  • Sponsor: Novartis

ML42071 CHIMES

  • An open-label study to assess disease activity and biomarkers of neuronal damage in minority patients with RRMS receiving treatment with ocrelizumab
    1. Age 18-65
    2. Patients who self-identify as Black or African American or Hispanic/Latino American
  • Sponsor: Genentech

RPC-1063-MS-001 ENLIGHTEN

  • An open-label study describing cognitive processing speed changes in RRMS patients receiving treatment with ozanimod
    1. Age 18-65
  • Sponsor: Celgene

GN41851 FENHANCE

  • A Phase 3 double-blind, double-dummy study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenebrutinib compared with teriflunomide in RRMS patients
    1. Age 18-55
    2. One documented clinical relapse within 12 months or at least two documented relapses within the last 2 years OR the presence of at least one T1Gd+ lesion on MRI in the last 12 months
  • Sponsor: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

EFC16034 GEMINI II

  • A Phase 3 randomized, double-blind study comparing tolebrutinib to teriflunomide in patients with RRMS
    1. Age 18-55
    2. One documented clinical relapse within 12 months or at least two documented relapses within the last 2 years OR the presence of at least one T1Gd+ lesion on MRI in the last 12 months
  • Sponsor: Sanofi

EFC16645 HERCULES

  • A Phase 3 randomized, double-blind study comparing tolebrutinib to placebo in patients with nonrelapsing SPMS
    1. Age 18-60
    2. Absence of clinical relapses for at least 24 months
  • Sponsor: Sanofi

MN43964 OLERO

  • An open-label, extension, rollover study to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab in patients with MS
    1. Previously enrolled in one of the Parent studies
  • Sponsor: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

COMB157GUS07 OLIKOS

  • A Phase 3 study to explore maintained efficacy with RMS patients on ofatumumab who discontinue IV anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy
    1. Age 18-60
  • Sponsor: Novartis

BA39731 VERISMO

  • An observational study of patients on ocrelizumab to determine the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer and all malignancies

 

Migraine Studies:

ABP-20001

  • A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study of prabotulinumtoxinA for the prevention of migraine headache
    1. Age 18 years or older
    2. At least 1-year of episodic migraine or chronic migraine
    3. History of, an average of ≥6 migraine days per month

ABP-20002

  • A randomized, multicenter, dose-blinded, phase 2 extension study of prabotulinumtoxinA for the prevention of migraine headache
    1. Previously enrolled and completed the ABP-20001 study