Institute chosen to participate in large national research project
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) announced today that it will participate in a large national study of the effectiveness of testosterone as a treatment for anemia, cardiovascular disease, decreased vitality, impaired memory and sexual function, loss of muscle mass and other health conditions that affect older men.
"LA BioMed is pleased to be chosen as the only site in Los Angeles and one of 12 sites in the country for this national study of the effectiveness of testosterone in the treatment of health problems that affect older men with low testosterone levels," said Ronald S. Swerdloff, MD, principal investigator for the study at LA BioMed. "We may be able to help older men with low testosterone levels remain healthy and independent longer if we find testosterone to be an effective treatment for health problems associated with low testosterone levels."
Funded primarily by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and coordinated by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the Testosterone Trial will involve 800 men at 12 sites around the country. About 70 volunteers are expected to participate in the study at LA BioMed.
The Testosterone Trial will include five separate studies. Men, ages 65 and older, with low serum testosterone and at least one of the following conditions - anemia, decreased physical function, low vitality, impaired cognition or reduced sexual function - will be randomly assigned to participate in a treatment group or a control group.