About This Study

Key details about the diabetic foot ulcer wound care research study

Study Purpose

Advancing Diabetic Wound Care

This clinical trial investigates new therapeutic approaches for treating hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, with the goal of promoting faster healing and reducing complications.

Locations

San Diego & Northridge, California

Study visits are available at our San Diego and Northridge facilities. Both locations offer free parking and complimentary transportation.

Study Status

Now Enrolling

We are actively enrolling qualified participants at both locations. Our teams are reviewing applications and conducting screenings on an ongoing basis.

Who Can Join

Adults with Diabetes & Foot Ulcers

Adults who have diabetes and a hard-to-heal foot ulcer may be eligible. Final eligibility is determined at your screening visit.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that occur in approximately 15% of people with diabetes. They most commonly develop on the bottom of the foot and can be slow to heal due to reduced blood flow, nerve damage, and impaired immune function associated with diabetes.

Without proper treatment, these ulcers can lead to serious complications including infection, hospitalization, and in severe cases, amputation. Early and effective wound care is critical to preventing these outcomes and improving quality of life.

Clinical trials like this one are essential to developing new treatments that can accelerate healing, reduce infection risk, and help people with diabetes maintain mobility and independence.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels, reducing sensation and circulation in the feet. This makes injuries harder to notice and slower to heal.

Why Are They Hard to Heal?

Poor circulation, reduced immune response, and ongoing pressure on the wound can prevent normal healing. Many diabetic foot ulcers persist for weeks or months without specialized care.

Why Clinical Trials Matter

Research is advancing new therapies including advanced wound dressings, growth factors, and cellular therapies that show promise in improving healing rates and outcomes for diabetic foot ulcers.

Participant Benefits

Everything you receive as a study participant — at no cost to you

$

$50–$250 Per Visit

Receive compensation for your time and travel at each completed study visit, recognizing the value of your participation in advancing wound care research.

🚗

Free Transportation

Complimentary transportation to and from our San Diego or Northridge research sites for all scheduled visits. Free parking is also available on-site.

🩹

Wound Treatment at No Cost

All study-related wound care, dressings, medications, lab work, and medical care are provided completely free of charge throughout your participation.

👨‍⚕️

Expert Wound Care Team

Access to experienced wound care specialists and study coordinators who are focused on your healing progress, safety, and overall health.

📊

Regular Monitoring

Close monitoring of your wound healing progress with regular assessments, measurements, and photos to track improvement over time.

🔬

Advance Medical Science

Help develop new treatments that could improve healing outcomes for millions of people living with diabetic foot ulcers worldwide.

Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following general criteria. Final eligibility is confirmed at your screening visit.

• ✓ Adults 18 years of age or older
• ✓ Diagnosed with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• ✓ Have a foot ulcer that has been slow to heal or difficult to heal
• ✓ Able to attend regular study visits at our San Diego or Northridge location

Not sure if you qualify? Our study team is happy to answer your questions. Give us a call or sign up below — the process takes just a few minutes.

Sign Up to Learn More 📞 Call Us

Study Locations

Choose the location that's most convenient for you

📍 San Diego

Valiance Clinical Research — San Diego Facility

📞 858-352-6449

📍 Northridge

Valiance Clinical Research — Northridge Facility

📞 747-799-0050

What to Expect

A step-by-step look at the study journey from sign-up to completion

1

Sign Up & Phone Screening

Submit your information and our study coordinator will reach out within 1–2 business days.

• Brief phone call to review basic eligibility (5–10 minutes)
• Answer questions about your diabetes and foot ulcer
• Ask any questions you have about the study
• Choose your preferred study location

2

In-Person Screening Visit

If eligible by phone, you'll visit your chosen facility for a full evaluation.

• Meet the wound care research team and tour the facility
• Review the informed consent document thoroughly
• Wound assessment and measurement
• Medical history review and physical examination
• Lab work if needed (blood tests for diabetes management)
• Confirm final eligibility for enrollment

3

Enrollment & Consent

If you qualify and choose to enroll, you'll officially become a study participant.

• Sign informed consent after all your questions are answered
• Receive your full study schedule and participant materials
• Get 24/7 contact information for the study team
• Learn about wound care instructions and what to expect

4

Study Participation & Visits

Attend regular scheduled visits for wound treatment and monitoring.

• Receive study wound treatment as part of the protocol
• Regular wound assessments with photos and measurements
• Compensation issued at each completed visit
• Report any changes in wound condition or overall health
• Free transportation available for every visit

5

Study Completion

Complete your final visit and receive information about continued wound care.

• Final wound assessment and documentation
• Discussion of healing progress with the study physician
• Recommendations for ongoing diabetic foot care
• Receive your final visit compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the study and diabetic foot ulcers

All Questions General About Foot Ulcers About This Study Eligibility Compensation Safety & Rights

What is a clinical trial?+

A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments. All clinical trials follow strict scientific and ethical standards and are overseen by independent review boards to protect participants. They are essential for developing better therapies for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers.

Why should I consider participating?+

Participating gives you access to potentially promising new wound treatments at no cost, along with close monitoring from a specialized wound care team. You'll receive compensation for your time, free transportation, and have the opportunity to contribute to research that may benefit others living with diabetic foot ulcers. Many participants report feeling well-supported throughout the study.

Is participating in a clinical trial safe?+

Yes. Participant safety is the top priority. This study is conducted under strict protocols approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and follows FDA and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. You'll be closely monitored throughout, have access to the study team 24/7, and can withdraw at any time for any reason without penalty.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?+

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore that develops on the foot of someone with diabetes. They most commonly occur on the bottom of the foot and can be slow to heal due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and reduced immune function associated with diabetes. They require specialized wound care to prevent infection and promote healing.

How long does it typically take for a diabetic foot ulcer to heal?+

Healing time varies widely depending on factors like wound size, depth, location, blood sugar control, and overall health. Some ulcers heal within weeks with proper care, while others may take months. This study aims to investigate treatments that may accelerate the healing process.

Can diabetic foot ulcers be prevented?+

Many diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented with good diabetes management, proper foot care, appropriate footwear, daily foot inspections, and prompt treatment of any minor injuries. However, even with excellent care, some people with diabetes may still develop ulcers due to complications of the disease.

What does participation in this study involve?+

Participation involves regular scheduled visits to one of our two facilities for wound treatment and monitoring. You'll receive study wound care as part of the protocol. All study-related care is provided at no cost, and you'll receive compensation at each completed visit. The study team will walk you through the full schedule before you make any commitment.

Can I continue seeing my regular doctor during the study?+

Yes. We strongly encourage you to maintain your relationship with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and podiatrist. With your permission, we will coordinate with your existing healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. It's important that all your doctors are informed of your participation and any changes in your treatment.

Will I receive the study treatment in addition to standard care?+

The study protocol will be explained in detail during your screening visit. Some studies compare new treatments to standard care, while others test new treatments in combination with standard care. You'll be fully informed about what treatment you'll receive before you decide to participate.

Does it matter how long I've had my foot ulcer?+

This may depend on the specific study requirements. Some studies focus on ulcers that have been present for a certain period of time. Our screening team will review your wound history and current condition to determine if you're eligible. We encourage you to apply regardless of how long you've had the ulcer.

What if my diabetes is not well controlled?+

Blood sugar control is an important factor in wound healing, but having poorly controlled diabetes does not automatically disqualify you. Our medical team will review your diabetes management and overall health during screening to determine if the study is appropriate for you. They may also provide guidance on blood sugar management.

Can I participate if I have more than one foot ulcer?+

Possibly. The study may have specific requirements about the number of ulcers, their location, or their size. During the screening process, our team will assess all your foot ulcers and determine if you're eligible. Having multiple ulcers does not automatically disqualify you.

How much will I be compensated?+

Participants receive between $50 and $250 per completed study visit. The compensation amount varies based on the type and length of the visit. Visits involving more procedures or longer appointments are compensated at higher rates. You will receive a complete compensation schedule prior to enrollment.

How does the free transportation work?+

We provide complimentary transportation to and from both facilities for all scheduled study visits. When scheduling each appointment, simply let our team know you need transportation and we will coordinate the details. Free on-site parking is also available if you prefer to drive yourself.

What if I need to miss a scheduled visit?+

We understand that unexpected situations arise. If you need to miss a visit, please contact our study coordinator as early as possible. Consistent attendance is especially important in wound care studies to ensure proper healing and safety. Compensation is provided for completed visits only.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?+

Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of any benefits you are otherwise entitled to. Simply notify the study team if you wish to discontinue. We may request an optional final visit to assess your wound and ensure you have appropriate follow-up care.

Will my personal and medical information stay confidential?+

Yes. Your information is fully protected under HIPAA regulations. Your personal identity will never appear in any study publications or reports. All research data is de-identified, meaning it cannot be traced back to you as an individual. Only authorized study staff have access to your identifiable records, and all data is stored securely.

Who oversees this study to protect participants?+

This study is reviewed and continuously monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), an independent committee whose role is to protect participant rights and well-being. The study also follows FDA regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines to ensure the highest standards of participant safety and research integrity.

What if my foot ulcer gets worse during the study?+

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. If your ulcer worsens or shows signs of infection, the study team will assess you immediately and provide appropriate medical care. You have 24/7 access to the study physician. If needed, you may be referred for additional treatment or withdrawn from the study to receive alternative care.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

Sign up today or call the location nearest you. Our team will review your information and reach out within 1–2 business days.

Sign Up Now

San Diego

858-352-6449

Northridge

747-799-0050

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