Jess Lightner, Author at Meridian Clinical Research

Viral Latency: Long-Term Effects of Common Viruses

Viral Latency: Long-Term Effects. Blog Header image reads "Common Viruses with Long-Term Consequences"

You may have seen the term “Long COVID” in headlines over the past year or two. While lingering or delayed effects from a viral infection may seem like a new discovery, evidence suggests that some viruses can lay dormant in a body for years before triggering other symptoms later. What is Viral Latency? When the full genome of a virus remains in the host cell, but is restricted and unable to produce infectious particles, the virus is considered dormant in the body. However, for the virus to be … Read more

Flu Season 2022: What You Need to Know

What is Influenza (Flu)? Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses. “The flu” and “influenza” are generally used as umbrella terms for four subtypes of the influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are the most common in humans, with Influenza A generally being the most diverse and prevalent, as it can infect several animal species in addition to humans. Since it can infect numerous hosts, the capability for a mutation to develop and create a new strain can … Read more

Does the Smallpox Vaccine Protect Against Monkeypox?

Featuring Commentary by Dr. Brandon Essink, Chief Medical Officer at Meridian Monkeypox has made headlines lately as a new outbreak is steadily growing in the United States. In this article we’ll answer common questions about the virus and the vaccine intended to prevent infection with the help of Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Meridian’s Chief Medical Officer and a renowned Principal Investigator for vaccine trials. What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a virus that presents as a rash of raised bumps on the skin, like pimples or blisters, called pox, … Read more

Patient Story: Dana, a Research Study Participant at Meridian

dana c - meridian clinical research patient testimonial

What led you to participate in a research study? I joined the COVID-19 vaccine trial because of what it was. We needed to bring this vaccine to market right away because it was so devastating and spreading fast. I was enticed by the opportunity to participate, be part of medical history, and to get it to market, while being able to say I was part of it. I also have some underlying health issues, so being able to possibly get the vaccine early was also a benefit. Is … Read more

Clinical Trial Phases: What Happens in Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4?

What are the 4 Clinical Trial Phases? graphic

Clinical trials are research studies of medications, vaccines, medical devices, procedures, diagnostics (tests), and other health-related products. These studies involve participants (also known as patients, volunteers, or subjects) to determine whether certain experimental products are safer and/or more effective than currently approved products. Without clinical trials, it would be impossible to develop new medicines, cures, vaccines, and other medical products — including everything from COVID-19 and flu vaccines, to infant formula, medications for diabetes, and pacemakers. Clinical trials happen in four stages. Each stage, called a phase, serves … Read more

What is the Role of a Principal Investigator in a Clinical Trial?

What is a principal investigator - blog cover image

What is a Principal Investigator? A principal investigator (PI) is the person responsible for overseeing a clinical trial, research grant, or other sponsored research project. In clinical trials, also known as medical studies, principal investigators generally are physicians that carry out the study plan, known as the clinical trial protocol. The principal investigator also analyzes the data and reports the results of the research study. The Roles Principal Investigators play in Clinical Trials Depending on the clinical trial, principal investigators can be contributors or medical experts that help … Read more

The Basics of Respiratory Infections: Differences Among the Cold, Flu, COVID-19, and More

Respiratory infections and illnesses: covid-19, influenza, rsv, copd, pneumonia, and more

What is a Respiratory Infection? Respiratory infections affect the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat, airways, and lungs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, but tend to present similar symptoms, such as a cough, congestion or runny nose, and fatigue. Because the symptoms are so similar among different types of infection, the illness can be difficult to diagnose or identify. While most respiratory illnesses go away on their own, some require medical intervention. In this article, you’ll learn about viral, fungal, and bacterial respiratory … Read more

The Latest in Eczema Research: New Potential Treatments For Eczema

What is Eczema? Atopic dermatitis (AD), better known as eczema, is a condition in which red (or on darker skin tones, sometimes brown or purple), itchy patches of skin flare up on various parts of the body. As a chronic condition, eczema tends to flare periodically, sometimes coupled with asthma and/or hay fever. According to the National Eczema Association, an estimated 31.6 million people (more than 10% in the U.S.) have eczema. Atopic dermatitis typically presents in childhood, affecting approximately 9.6 million U.S. children — of which a … Read more

Patient Story: Judy, a Research Study Participant at Meridian

What led you to participate in a research study? I heard about it on Facebook. The money intrigued me, but then the chance to help move us forward toward the end of the pandemic hooked me. Is this your first experience with clinical research? What was the process like? I’ve participated in a couple other research studies before. I personally have always thought of clinical trials as a pretty cool thing. I like the idea of being part of a solution. The process was smooth. Phone interview, appointment … Read more

Cytomegalovirus: An Overview and Recent CMV Vaccine Progress

About Cytomegalovirus (CMV) You might not have heard of cytomegalovirus (pronounced site-oh-mega-low-virus), or CMV, but you’ve probably been infected with it. Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. While most CMV infections cause no symptoms, when a baby is born with a cytomegalovirus infection, known as congenital CMV, it can cause long-term health problems. About one out of every 200 babies is born with congenital CMV and almost one-fifth of all newborns with congenital CMV will face long-term health problems. Symptoms and Illnesses … Read more