Volunteers needed for trial on improving men's health

HOUSTON – (Nov. 02, 2009) – Baylor College of Medicine has been selected as one of 12 sites nationwide to conduct a study to determine if elderly men with low testosterone will benefit from testosterone treatment.

"We are conducting this study because low testosterone levels can adversely affect the health of older men in several critical areas,” said Dr. Glenn Cunningham, professor of medicine-endocrinology and principal investigator for the study at BCM. “If this treatment proves effective, we may be able to help older men with low testosterone levels remain healthy and independent longer than would have been possible otherwise.”

To qualify for the study, male volunteers must:

-Be 65 years of age or older

-Have at least one of the following symptoms:  trouble walking, less interest in sex or less energy

-Have low testosterone levels when measured by blood tests at the trial site

The NIA is the primary source of support for this trial. Additional funding is being provided by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and Solvay Pharmaceuticals, which is also supplying the study drug. 

Volunteers will be compensated for their time and effort.

For more information about the study, call 713-798-8343 or e-mail ecordero@bcm.edu.