Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine are national leaders in clinical research — dedicated to pioneering breakthrough treatments, conducting game-changing research to improve the lives of patients near and far, and training the next generation of health care professionals. Together, these institutions are at the forefront of clinical innovation, leading over 690 clinical trials in the past year alone.
They “continue to lead the therapeutic revolution in medicine to the great benefit of our patients,” said Dr. Clifton Gooch, chief of the TGH Neuroscience Institute, neurology, Tampa General; co-vice president of the TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research; and associate dean, Clinical Research, professor and TGH Endowed Chair of Neurology, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
As the TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research continues to expand its scope of research, Dr. Gooch anticipates these profound and exciting developments will have “ever-greater impacts on human health worldwide.”
Continued Growth & Investment
To support groundbreaking clinical trials and strengthen its role as a leader in bio-medical research and therapeutic innovation, the academic health system created the TGH-USF Health Precision Medicine Biorepository. It functions as a high-tech library where researchers, physicians and scientists study samples donated by patients. In addition, the TGH Cancer Institute Phase 1 Clinical Research Unit offers early-phase cancer clinical trials that help pioneer new treatments.
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials
The TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research team has made historic contributions to medicine, including:
- Research on organ preservation following rectal adenocarcinoma (rectal cancer) that revolutionized rectal cancer treatment
- Pioneering work on Regeneron COVID-19 antibodies that placed the TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research at the forefront of pandemic response, enabling rapid deployment of monoclonal antibodies and other treatments
- Participation in a trial that led to the approval of a specialized stent for complex brain aneurysms
- The development of critical reversal agents for anticoagulant medications, such as Pradaxa, Xarelto and Eliquis
- The development of HIV and hepatitis C research projects
- The creation of an essential antivenom for coral snake bites
“Results like this led to our reaccreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs in 2024,” said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, co-vice president of Clinical and Translational Research, TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research; executive vice president and chief of oncology, Tampa General; and president of the Tampa General Provider Network. “This prestigious accreditation is a testament to the advanced caliber of our research program.”
World-Renowned Researchers Join Tampa General
TGH’s commitment to research excellence has attracted some of the world’s most renowned scientists:
Dr. Robert C. Gallo¾ Focusing Research on Cancer-Causing Viruses
Internationally celebrated biomedical researcher Dr. Robert C. Gallo has joined the TGH Cancer Institute to lead the newly established Microbial Oncology Program. At the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Dr. Gallo is also the James P. Cullison Professor of Medicine and director of the USF Health Virology Center. In 1984, Dr. Gallo determined HIV-1 as the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and pioneered the development of the HIV blood test for identifying infected individuals and protecting the blood supply. At the TGH Cancer Institute, Dr. Gallo will focus his research on viruses causing cancer and bacterial proteins and products that he and his scientific group have demonstrated to be involved in cancer progression.
“It is a true privilege to welcome a scientist, a pioneer and a mentor of the stature of Dr. Gallo to the scientific team at the TGH Cancer Institute as we embark on our journey to apply for the coveted National Cancer Institute designation within the decade,” said Dr. Eduardo Sotomayor, vice president and executive director of the TGH Cancer Institute.
Dr. Marshall Posner ¾ Advancing Cancer Clinical Trials
World-renowned physician scientist and head and neck oncologist Dr. Marshall Posner has also joined TGH as the medical director of the Cancer Center of South Florida Clinical Research Trial Office in Palm Beach Gardens. Dr. Posner is part of the team establishing the microbial oncology program as it relates to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, and through his work, local cancer patients have expanded access to groundbreaking cancer trials.
“Dr. Posner will be an invaluable asset,” Dr. Schwarzberg said. “His expertise will expand the world-class, advanced care we provide our patients, giving them access to groundbreaking cancer trials right here in Florida.”
For more information on clinical trials and research at TGH, visit TGH.org.