Therapeutic areas
DermCare is a medical dermatology practice fed by referrals from family physicians, nurse practitioners and specialists across the western Greater Toronto Area. The practice has particular depth in the following areas, each of which is supported by an active clinical caseload and, in three of the four, by published work with DermCare Clinic as an author affiliation.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa, adult and adolescent. Current investigator site for a sponsored Phase 2 study.
- Psoriasis, including patients on systemic and biologic therapy and patients who have cycled through more than one class.
- Atopic dermatitis, adult and paediatric.
- Cutaneous T cell lymphoma, including mycosis fungoides managed with phototherapy and topical therapy on site.
Vitiligo, chronic urticaria and other inflammatory skin conditions are also seen in volume and can be discussed for specific protocols.
Patient population
The practice is referral based and high volume, with a consultation caseload spanning the full range of medical dermatology. Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory disease are followed longitudinally for systemic therapy and phototherapy, which gives the site an established, characterised population from which to identify candidates rather than relying on external recruitment. Disease extent and severity are recorded at each visit as part of routine care.
Site infrastructure
| Capability | Status |
|---|---|
| Narrowband UVB phototherapy on site, nurse delivered | In place |
| In house dermatopathology, physician certified in Dermatology and Anatomical Pathology | In place |
| Minor procedure room for biopsy and excision | In place |
| Clinical imaging | In place |
| Research coordinators | Number and full time equivalent to be confirmed |
| Dedicated research space, monitoring room and secure document storage | To be confirmed |
| Investigational product storage, temperature monitored | To be confirmed |
| Laboratory sample processing, centrifuge and frozen storage | To be confirmed |
Investigators and training
The practice's physicians are Dr. Aiza Ejaz, Medical Director (CPSO 93570), and Dr. Faisal Al-Mohammedi, certified in Dermatology and Anatomical Pathology (CPSO 91228). Current Good Clinical Practice certification details for investigators and coordinators, including the training provider and completion dates, are being confirmed and are available on request. Which physicians act as investigators of record is being confirmed. Investigator curricula vitae and licence verification are provided as part of site qualification.
Experience
DermCare is currently an investigator site for a sponsored Phase 2 open label study in adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa (NCT07213973, sponsor Incyte), recruiting at the time of writing. Physicians at the practice have contributed to peer reviewed publications in cutaneous T cell lymphoma, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. See publications. A list of prior sponsors and completed studies is being compiled and will be provided on request under confidentiality.
Research network model
DermCare participates in sponsored research through a network that connects community dermatology practices with sponsors and CROs. Depending on the study, contracting, budgeting and regulatory submissions may be coordinated through the network or directly with the site. The research team will confirm the arrangement for a given protocol at first contact.
Working with the site
Feasibility questionnaires, confidentiality agreements and protocol synopses can be sent to research@dermcare.ca. The team aims to return feasibility responses promptly and can accommodate remote or on site qualification visits. Ethics review is through the board designated by the sponsor or network for a given study. Standard contract and budget templates, and typical start up timelines, are being documented.
Contact
Research team, DermCare Clinic, Mississauga. Email research@dermcare.ca or call 905 625 5600 and ask for the research team.