Press Releases
ANA in the Press!
William R. Bauer, MD, Ph.D., FAAN
Evaluating Novel, Orally Active Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
FREEDOMS II Clinical Trial Now Enrolling Patients
Bellevue, OH ¾ Advanced Neurologic Associates is one of 101 research sites conducting a landmark, Phase III clinical trial called FREEDOMS II, which is evaluating an investigational, orally active drug for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). William R. Bauer, MD, Ph.D., FAAN, is leading this effort locally and is currently enrolling patients into this clinical trial.
For people with RRMS, currently available, first-line therapies (interferon b and glatiramer acetate) have partial efficacy (about 33% reduction in relapse rate and a modest effect on disability progression). These agents are biologic parenteral treatments requiring injections, which often are associated with side effects (injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms). Therefore, there is a strong medical need for a safe and effective oral treatment for RRMS.
FREEDOMS II (FTY720 Research Evaluating Effects of Daily Oral therapy in MS) is a Phase III, 24-month, randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in approximately 1,080 patients with RRMS. This clinical trial is evaluating the investigational drug FTY720, a novel, orally active, synthetic small molecule designed to decrease the rate and severity of relapse, reduce inflammatory activity, as measured by MRI, and reduce the risk of disability progression for patients with RRMS without some of the side effects commonly associated with standard, injectable therapies.
Efficacy and safety of FTY720 in patients with MS has been evaluated in one double-blind,
placebo-controlled, Phase II study in patients with relapsing MS. The study demonstrated highly statistically significant effects of FTY720 to placebo on both MRI and clinical relapse-related endpoints. Eighty-six percent of patients in the FTY720 groups were relapse-free during the study compared to 66 percent in the placebo group. Relapse rate was reduced by approximately 54 percent in the FTY720 groups compared to placebo. FTY720 was generally well tolerated in the Phase II MS study CFTY720D2201 with less than 10 percent discontinuations overall at 6 months.
The investigational drug, FTY720, is in clinical development for MS by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Patients who participate in the Phase III study, FREEDOM II, will benefit from 2 years of study-related care and close monitoring of their RRMS, including 5 MRI exams administered periodically throughout the study. Patients who complete the 24-month double-blind treatment phase may be eligible to enter a long-term extension of the study, during which all patients will receive FTY720.
People eligible for participation in FREEDOMS II must meet the following criteria:
- Have RRMS and:
- Are not taking any medication for their RRMS, and/or
- In your opinion would be willing to explicitly decline initiation or continuation of treatment with available, approved disease modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis, for whatever reason, after having been informed about their respective benefits and possible adverse events by the investigator.
- Are 18-55 years of age
- Have experienced at least 1 relapse during the last year, or 2 relapses during the last 2 years
- Do not require the use of a wheelchair (are currently in the EDSS range of 0-5.5)
Dr. William R. Bauer is seeking study participants and can be contacted by phone at 419.483.2403 ext. 113 or by e-mail at bburroughs@advneuroassoc.com. Dr. William R. Bauer is also available to meet in person to answer questions and to provide additional information.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. commends Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS
Bellevue, OH, February 5, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. commends Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS on achieving a “Primary Stroke Center” designation at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
The accolade, recognized as the Gold Seal of Approval(tm) for stroke care, comes after an on-site review conducted in October by the Joint Commission, the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. “We are pleased that Firelands Regional Medical Center and all of the staff neurologists have been recognized for the high quality community service that they provide in stroke management. We are committed to providing the best and cutting edge care available to our patients.” states Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS.
Strokes, also referred to as Brain Attacks, require prompt medical attention. Nearly 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year in the United States. Stroke is the nation's third leading cause of death, which is why Fireland’s Regional Medical Center and Advanced Neurologic Associates, are committed to providing rapid treatment for stroke, as well as providing education on stroke prevention and recognition of symptoms.
Congratulations to Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS, and the entire Firelands Regional Medical Center team for earning this recognition.
Dr. William Bauer is featured in an online article at The News-Messenger
FREMONT-- A local doctor is fed up with the treatment of pain patients and is taking matters into his own hands.
William Bauer, a neurologist who specializes in pain and pain research, has spent 23 years in the Fremont area working at Memorial and Bellevue hospitals and also the North Coast Imaging Center on East State Street.
Bauer and several other doctors in the area are working to develop a pain patient's Bill of Rights for Ohio, based on the already existing California pain laws. The law proposes five essential ideas: pain management is a right of the patient, doctors have a duty to listen and respond to patients' pain, pain relief is immune from legal liability, doctors who are unable to ensure pain relief must refer patient to another doctor who can and all doctors must be educated on pain relief. Read the entire story on The News-Messenger.com.Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. Commends Dr. Brendan Bauer
Bellevue, OH, January 9, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. commends Dr. Brendan Bauer, MD on achieving a “Primary Stroke Center” designation at Fischer-Titus Medical Center on November 26, 2007.
Beginning in late 2005, Dr. Brendan Bauer and Ms. Kristi Washburn began working with members of the Fischer-Titus Medical Center medical staff to identify the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a Primary Stroke Center. This team put together the policies and procedures to offer our community the best possible care for stroke patients.
On November 8, 2007 the Joint Commission conducted an on-site survey that resulted in no recommendations for improvement to the program prior to being deployed. The end result of these efforts is improved care for our communities’ patients and demonstrates the team’s commitment to providing the best possible care to our community.
Congratulations to Dr. Brendan Bauer, Kristi Washburn and the entire Fischer-Titus Medical Center for earning this recognition.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces selection of a new Director of Information Technology
Bellevue, OH, January 7, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces the hiring of Tonya Lloyd as the Director of Information Technology. Ms. Lloyd has over 20 years of experience in healthcare management. Most recently she was the Office Coordinator at Executive Court Medical Associates, Inc. in Norwalk, Ohio.
Ms. Lloyd earned her Bachelor of Applied Science from Bowling Green State University in 2007. She is a certified Medical Assistant through American Medical Assistants Association.
According to Mr. Brett Johnson, Practice Manager, Ms. Lloyd will be responsible for all information technology processes including the implementation of a new electronic medical record system and VOIP phone system. “As we move forward, we will face many new challenges to manage information systems. Ms. Lloyd will be integral in analyzing and implementing solutions to ensure effective information management.”
Ms. Lloyd will be working with Mr. Johnson and all of Advanced Neurologic Associates locations including Sandusky, Norwalk, Bellevue, Fremont, Willard and Green Springs.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces selection of a new Certified Nurse Practitioner
Bellevue, OH, January 7, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces the hiring of Felicia Windnagel, RN, CNP as a new Certified Nurse Practioner. Ms. Windnagel has over five years of experience as a registered nurse and most recently was the Director of the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital in Fremont, Ohio.
Ms. Windnagel earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bowling Green State University in 2006 and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Toledo, College of Health Science in 2007. She is certified as an advanced practice nurse through the American Nursing Credentialing Center.
In the selection process Mr. Brett Johnson, Practice Manager noted, “Ms. Windnagel stood apart from the other candidates as having a high degree of technical knowledge combined with a good mix of compassion and understanding for her patients. This combination was critical in our decision making process. We look forward to having her join our team of five board certified neurologists.”
“I am look forward to working with Ms. Windnagel, as I believe her skills as a nurse and as a nurse practitioner will greatly enhance our ability to provide a high level of neurologic care and services according to Dr. Steven Benedict, MD, President.
Ms. Windnagel will be working with both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Brendan Bauer, MD in all of the locations they serve including Sandusky, Norwalk, Bellevue and Fremont. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Ms. Windnagel, please contact the centralized scheduling office at (419) 483-2403.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces selection of a new Director of Information Technology
Bellevue, OH, January 7, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces the hiring of Tonya Lloyd as the Director of Information Technology. Ms. Lloyd has over 20 years of experience in healthcare management. Most recently she was the Office Coordinator at Executive Court Medical Associates, Inc. in Norwalk, Ohio.
Ms. Lloyd earned her Bachelor of Applied Science from Bowling Green State University in 2007. She is a certified Medical Assistant through American Medical Assistants Association.
According to Mr. Brett Johnson, Practice Manager, Ms. Lloyd will be responsible for all information technology processes including the implementation of a new electronic medical record system and VOIP phone system. “As we move forward, we will face many new challenges to manage information systems. Ms. Lloyd will be integral in analyzing and implementing solutions to ensure effective information management.”
Ms. Lloyd will be working with Mr. Johnson and all of Advanced Neurologic Associates locations including Sandusky, Norwalk, Bellevue, Fremont, Willard and Green Springs.