In 1747, aboard a British naval ship riddled with disease, surgeon James Lind conducted what is widely recognized as the first randomized clinical trial. His goal? To find a cure for scurvy, a deadly affliction among sailors. By dividing sick crew members into treatment groups—including one that received citrus fruits- Lind unknowingly launched a revolution in medical science.
May 20th, the anniversary of this historic moment, is now observed worldwide as Clinical Trials Day, led by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and SOCRA (the Society of Clinical Research Associates). The day honors the importance of clinical research and the professionals who turn data and discovery into real-world health solutions.
Why Clinical Trials Still Matter Today
Clinical trials are the backbone of modern medicine. They determine whether treatment is safe, effective, and ready for broad use. Every approved vaccine, diagnostic tool, and prescription medication on the market today was once part of a trial like Lind’s, only now with far more precision, oversight, and scientific rigor.
From cancer therapies and chronic disease interventions to new mental health treatments, trials help shape the future of patient care. Regulatory bodies like the FDA depend on data from these studies to make decisions that affect millions of lives.
Clinical trials aren’t just something that happens in far-off research hospitals; they happen here, at Nevada Health Centers.
Recently, NVHC participated in a COVID-19 treatment study to explore options for protecting at-risk populations, including those in rural and underserved communities. Our commitment to research isn’t just about discovery, it’s about equity, access, and bringing care directly to those who need it most.
If you missed it, Dr. Sangeeta Wagner, Chief Integration Officer, sat down with 2News Nevada to discuss NVHC’s involvement in clinical trials and how community members can enroll. The interview is available here:
🎥 Watch the Health Watch segment
What’s New in 2025: Orforglipron, a Pill-Based GLP-1 Therapy
One recent example of clinical research in action is the development of orforglipron, a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist by Eli Lilly. This investigational drug, still undergoing clinical trials, could become a breakthrough in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Key Clinical Findings (as of April 2025):
- Trial Length: 40 weeks
- Participants: Adults with Type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with diet and exercise
- Average Weight Loss: 7.9% of body weight (approx. 16 lbs.)
- A1C Reduction: 1.3% to 1.6% from an average baseline of 8%
- Glycemic Control: Over 65% of participants reached or maintained an A1C at or below 6.5%
- Side Effects: Mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, diarrhea); more than 90% of participants completed the trial
- Dietary Restrictions: None required, unlike some other oral GLP-1s
- Liver Safety: No liver-related concerns were observed in the trial
This trial follows recent news that Pfizer discontinued development of its own GLP-1 pill due to a potential liver injury in one participant. Orforglipron, by contrast, is the first oral GLP-1 drug to successfully complete a Phase 3 trial without such complications. We are continuing on the Orforglipron clinical research path, starting next month with our trial looking at effects in patients with both obesity with diabetes and obesity without diabetes.
Learn More
- Check out our Clinical Trials page to learn more https://www.nevadahealthcenters.org/clinicaltrials/
- To explore Clinical Trials Day and its history, visit the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP): acrpnet.org
- For updates on orforglipron’s clinical progress, visit Eli Lilly’s newsroom: lilly.com/news
From a ship deck in 1747 to today’s global research networks, clinical trials remain the engine of progress in medicine. This Clinical Trials Day, take a moment to appreciate how each study, patient, and data point helps unlock what’s next in care.
