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Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research

The Sinai Center for Thrombosis research is at the forefront of new developments in antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy. 

Field-Leaders in Antithrombotic Therapy

The LifeBridge Health Cardiovascular Institute strives to provide its patients with the most advanced treatment options available. Groundbreaking research and clinical trials in cardiovascular conditions, testing and treatments are integral to that mission. The treatments available today are derived directly from the willingness of patients to participate in clinical trials. Goals of clinical trials include testing of the safety and efficacy of new drugs, evaluation of newly developed methods and regimens of treatment, and new approaches to the use of existing treatments.

A scientist using lab equipment

Breakthrough Research

The Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research and Drug Development (SCTR), founded by Dr. Paul A. Gurbel in 1998 is recognized in the international cardiology and thrombosis community as a leader in the field of antithrombotic therapy. The expertise of SCTR is centered on anti-platelet and anticoagulant drug development, and laboratory device development to facilitate personalized therapy. The center's primary focus is translational research related to thrombosis in patients undergoing interventional cardiovascular procedures.

 

The center is equipped with a state-of-the art basic laboratory and located within the Heart Center at Sinai hospital. Renowned for cardiac surgery, cardiology, heart failure, and electrophysiology units, the facility contains a clinical research unit where pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and genetic studies are conducted. Together, these unique characteristics grant the center the capacity to conduct the most intricate investigations of the platelet physiology and coagulation in a diverse population of patients with cardiovascular disease.

 

The breakthrough findings of SCTR have been published in hundreds of peer-reviewed medical journal articles and have influenced treatment guidelines related to anti-platelet therapy. Original investigations conducted by the Center have been presented nationally and internationally in the most prestigious venues including the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions, the European Congress of Cardiology and the Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Their research has also created a platform for the discovery of new antithrombotic drugs.

 

Dr. Gurbel and his team have experience in partnering with leading pharmaceutical and medical companies who have sought their expertise. His lab is also funded by NIH.

Research Center Capabilities

  • Clinical trials and outcome studies (Inpatient and Outpatient)
  • Dedicated clinical research unit capable of performing Phase I-IV investigations
  • Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drug development
  • Device development to facilitate personalized therapy
  • Platelet function, Pharmacokinetic, Biomarker, and Genetic Testing
  • Consulting and protocol development
  • Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and genetic studies
  • Onsite processing for ready analysis, 24/7 stat results
  • Staffed with Research Nurses/Coordinators, Pharmacists, Laboratory Techs, Regulatory Specialists

Research Highlights

  • First to identify clopidogrel resistance
  • First to evaluate effect of a high clopidogrel closing regimen
  • First to identify high platelet reactivity to ADP as a cardiovascular risk factor
  • First to demonstrate dose dependent effects of aspirin
  • First to demonstrate the influence of CYP2C19*2 on clopidogrel response and clinical outcomes
  • Led two large international multi-center PD studies, leading to FDA approval of ticagrelor
  • Assisted with 510K approval for multiple platelet function devices
  • Identified the relationship between gender, ethnicity, and age on platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes
  • Identified the relationship between heightened platelet reactivity, hypercoagulability, inflammation, and clinical disease state acuity
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Paul A. Gurbel, M.D.

Director, Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
Associate Professor of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland

What Our Colleagues Are Saying

As an individual interested in platelet research, I have the privilege to work in conjunction with Dr. Gurbel in different projects here in Brazil, where he is an active member of our ‘ANTS’ (antiplatelet study group) and in the USA. I have seen firsthand how Dr. Gurbel’s research has impacted the care of cardiac patients. His research helped to shape AHA and American College of Cardiology treatment guidelines. I am excited to see how Dr. Gurbel’s research will continue to revolutionize the risk stratification and treatment of cardiac patients.

José C. Nicolau, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor, University of São Paulo
Medical School Director, Acute Coronary Disease Unit,
Heart Institute (InCor) - University of São Paulo
Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil

WHERE TO FIND US

Hospital

The Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research

2401 W. Belvedere Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215
United States

410-601-8461