Researchers tap veterans at Carl T. Hayden Foundation

Research into medication and treatment of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other diseases is under way at a facility not typically associated with innovative research.

The Carl T. Hayden Medical Research Foundation, associated with the Veterans Affairs medical center, is coordinating the funding of 10 full-time research scientists and many more associates, who are conducting medical research to benefit both veterans and the general public. It is adjacent to the VA medical center in downtown Phoenix near 7th Street and Indian School Road.

Among the research projects under way is the use of an arthritis drug, Salsalate, to reduce joint and soft tissue inflammation, which will help to determine if the lowered inflammation would raise sensitivity to insulin. The double-blind testing has about 20 patients enrolled, though it needs an additional 40 to complete the testing.

Another recent project involved determining if Gila monster protein could be used in the treatment of diabetes.

Other research endeavors include gastroenterology, respiratory disease and endocrinology.

The foundation coordinates funding of donations for the research as a nonprofit organization. In addition to private donors, the foundation receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations that support research efforts.

"The role of the foundation is to coordinate the huge amount of grant work and to make sure the controls are in place and there's transparency," said Dr. Eric Schwartz, one of the researchers.

Dr. Charles Hollingsworth of Sun City West serves as the foundation's executive director, joining the organization after 25 years with the National Institutes of Health.

He said the foundation was formed in 1995 to work with the VA to reach goals of research and education.

"We serve three general populations - veterans, veterans' families-because research on veterans affects families and this helps remove some of the burden, and...the general public," Hollingsworth said."

Hollingsworth said in addition to the diabetes research, the foundation also is coordinating related research into podiatry, sleep disorders and mental health. Cancer research also is planned by an oncologist.

Recent donations include a $30,000 microscope that illuminates cells and allows researchers to capture digital images. The scope was donated by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

For information on participating in the ongoing research, call 602-277-5551, Ext. 5050.

Representatives from the Carl T. Hayden Medical Research Foundation are available for public speaking engagements. For information on the foundation or to schedule a speaker, call 602-222-2768.