Overview

Alpine Clinical Research Center (ACRC) is an independent research site established in 1994 for the sole purpose of conducting clinical trials for the pharmaceutical industry. Nestled at the base of the Colorado Rockies, ACRC employs experienced RNs who are dedicated exclusively to the coordination of research studies. ACRC contracts with a variety of physicians in the community to serve as our investigators, allowing ACRC’s work in many therapeutic areas. ACRC has completed numerous national and international trials for the majority of pharmaceutical companies.

Research Experience

The success of ACRC can be attributed to the strength of the people within the organization.

After 15 years of varied experience in clinical research, Peg Sharp, RN, recognized the need for experienced investigative sites. In 1981, Peg started her research career in Boston as a monitor for a CRO. Within that company, Peg rose through the ranks to clinical director of the phase 1 unit. After relocating to Colorado, Peg became the director of the clinical research department at a multispecialty clinic in Boulder. These years of experience culminated in 1994, when Peg started Alpine Clinical Research Center. Since day one of establishing ACRC, Peg has not only run the company but has also consistently provided patient care and support for her staff.

Paul Brownstone, MD, is the medical director for ACRC. A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, Paul practiced clinical neurology for nearly 30 years. In 1998, he left clinical practice to join ACRC as the full-time medical director. Paul’s knowledge of not only medicine but also the specifics of clinical research has made him a key asset to the success of ACRC.

All of the study coordinators at ACRC are registered nurses who bring many years of nursing and research experience to ACRC. Due to the exceptional patient care provided by the study coordinators, the level of subject retention at ACRC is unparalleled.

Treatment Areas

• Internal medicine
• Neurology
• Psychiatry/psychology
• Pulmonary/respiratory diseases
• Rheumatology

Facility Description

ACRC is located in the heart of Boulder’s medical community. Boulder Community Hospital is located across the street and provides access to nuclear medicine, x-ray equipment and other patient services. With the University of Colorado located less than a mile away, ACRC is able to easily offer services to the students. ACRC is equipped with two exam rooms, a patient room for extended visits. an EKG machine, pulmonary function equipment and an x-ray department. ACRC also has CRC stations, locked drug storage and two offices for client monitoring visits.

Investigator Experience

Paul Brownstone, MD, neurology
Joseph R. Lutt, MD, rheumatology
William Wagner, MD, neurology
Thomas Wilcox, DO, pulmonary/respiratory disorders

Staff Expertise

All of the study coordinators at ACRC are registered nurses and Certified Clinical Research Coordinators who bring many years of nursing and research experience to Alpine. In addition, the coordinators are aided by a recruitment specialist and a data regulatory manager.

Patient Demographics

The population for the city of Boulder is more than 100,000. ACRC is also accessible to surrounding cities, such as Denver, Fort Collins and Longmont, and numerous towns equaling a population total of 300,000 plus. Due to the close proximity to the University of Colorado, ACRC is available to the students. ACRC also receives a number of patients as from referrals from other medical facilities and from a wide range of advertisements (radio, television, newspaper, internet).