We’re enrolling participants for the STAARWARD and STAARLIGHT STAAR Studies assessing an investigational medication that may reduce anxiety symptoms [with reduced side effects] in people with GAD.
You may qualify if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) within the last 10 years or have you felt persistent, excessive worry most days for at least 6 months?
- Have taken medications to treat your anxiety that did not improve your symptoms
Sign Up
What happens if I sign up?
If you think you might like to participate in the STAAR Studies, or would like more information, please fill out the questionnaire below so we can see if you qualify and can contact you about the study. Keep in mind that participation is entirely voluntary.
If you pass the initial screener, we will match you to a STAAR Study location in your area or notify you when one becomes available. If there is not a current study for generalized anxiety disorder in your area, we may reach out to you in the future via email, phone, or text to share information about new study opportunities that may be a good fit.
About Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is a persistent psychiatric condition defined by daily:
- Excessive worry or constant dread for little or no reason
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulties concentrating,
- Irritability
- Troubles sleeping or staying asleep
- Headaches, muscle pain, or stomach issues1
In the United States, approximately 3.1% of adults experience GAD annually, and it impacts millions of people worldwide. There are several factors that can cause GAD:
- Genetics (i.e., a family history of anxiety disorders)
- Brain chemistry imbalances
- Stressful life events and trauma
- Chronic illness
- Personality traits (e.g., perfectionism)2
Traditional medication for GAD includes SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft), benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam), and sometimes antipsychotics (e.g., Quetiapine XR), but often come with unwanted side effects such as weight gain, reduced sex drive, ED, and blunted emotions.3 More treatment options must be investigated as many patients with GAD do not find relief and experience significant side effects on current medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clinical research study?
A clinical research study (also called a clinical trial) is a medical study that helps to answer important questions about investigational medications, treatments, or devices—these may include how well study medications, treatments, or devices work for a certain condition. All medications must be tested in clinical research studies before they can be approved and prescribed to patients.
Why are clinical research studies important?
A clinical research study is the process by which new and innovative medications, interventions, and treatments are reviewed and analyzed before being approved and brought to market.
Investigational medications are not yet available to the public outside of a clinical trial setting. Even over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs you may have used to counteract a headache, have gone through the clinical research study process before they were available at your local pharmacy.
This clinical trial aims to determine whether the treatments may help reduce your GAD-related symptoms. If the investigational medicine is effective, it may also support other patients experiencing clinical anxiety.
What is the purpose of the STAAR Studies?
The purpose of the study is to test investigational once-daily medication to see whether it is safe and effective at treating symptoms of general anxiety disorder [with reduced side effects].
Will I be reimbursed/compensated?
Compensation may be available for time, travel, and/or participation for those who qualify to take part in the study. You can discuss this further with the study team. There is no cost to participate in the study. Study-related care and treatments will be provided to you at no cost by a specialized medical team. Insurance is not required to participate.
What else do I need to consider?
The research team will be able to explain more about what the STAAR Studies involve, and it is up to you to decide if you want to take part. Participation in the study is voluntary. Whether or not you decide to participate in the study will not affect your current or future relationships with your doctors.
How far is the research study site?
If you qualify, we will match you to a study site closest to your home. If we are not currently running the study in your area, with your permission, we will keep you in our database and reach out once a study in your area becomes available. If, at any time, you decide you no longer want your information stored, you can opt out, and we will delete your details.
About the STAARWARD and STAARLIGHT STAAR Studies
The STAARWARD and STAARLIGHT STAAR Studies are looking to enroll approximately 172 patients with generalized anxiety disorder at roughly 81 sites in the United States. The study consists of 3 periods: a screening period, an 8-week treatment period, and a 1-week follow-up period. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a long-term study where everyone receives study drug after completing the 8-week treatment period.
During this time, a dedicated and specialized medical team will provide participants with study-related care at no cost. Volunteers who qualify to take part in the study may be compensated [for time and travel].
The STAAR Studies are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational once-daily, oral medication for the treatment of general anxiety disorder symptoms.
Who can participate?
You may be able to take part in the STAAR Studies if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) within the last 10 years
- Have you taken medications to treat your anxiety that did not improve your symptoms