Our passion is to bring large scale clinical research to our local community in order to facilitate access to trials that are typically conducted at prominent universities and research centers in larger metropolitan areas.
Vero Beach Neurology & Research Institute was established in 2016 and is owned and operated by Dr. Stuart J. Shafer. With his team of Principal Investigators, Sub-Investigators and Study Coordinator’s they have been conducting Clinical Trials in many therapeutic areas in Indian River County. These trials are national as well as global.
Each member of the research team has brought their own individual research knowledge and experience to the company. All are well versed in all aspects of conducting clinical research from the patient level to the Sponsor level. Below you can find all available clinical trials.
A Phase IIIb multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ocrelizumab in adults with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Protocol Number: WA40404
Key Inclusion
Key Exclusion
A multicenter, longitudinal, open-label, single-arm study describing cognitive processing speed changes in relapsing multiple sclerosis subjects treated with ozanimod (RPC-1063)
Protocol Number: RPC-1063-MS-001
Key Inclusion
Key Exclusion
A phase III multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenebrutinib compared with ocrelizumab in adult patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Protocol Number: GN41791
Key Inclusion
A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study, comparing the efficacy and safety of remibrutinib 100 mg b.i.d. versus teriflunomide 14 mg q.d. In participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis, followed by extended treatment with open-label remibrutinib.
Protocol Number: CLOU064C12302
Key Inclusion
Key Exclusion
A phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel Group, Double Blind, Double Dummy, Active Controlled Study of Evobrutinib Compared with Teriflunomide, in Participants with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety.
Protocol Number: MS200527_0082
Key Inclusion
Key Exclusion
VBNRI is involved in national and international clinical research trials that study not only Multiple Sclerosis, but also Parkinson’s, Stroke, Migraine, and Epilepsy. In partnership with Geodyssey Research, both VBNRI and MSCVB are actively involved in ongoing research and recruitment of patients into clinical trials. Meet the team that makes all this a success.
Principal Investigator
Dr. S. James Shafer, a local resident since 1977, has practiced Adult Neurology in Vero Beach and the surrounding area since 1997. From 1997 to 2016 Dr. Shafer practiced in a multi-specialty group and in 2016 ventured in solo practice and formed Vero Beach Neurology and Research Institute. He is the founder and Medical Director of The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Vero Beach that was formed in 2001 and has cared for thousands of MS patients world-wide. While he treats all Neurological Disorders, he is a Nationally recognized MS specialist. He, additionally, has expertise in Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke being the founder of the Indian River Medical Center Stroke Program.
Sub-investigator and Examining Investigator
Stacy attended Southern Adventist College in Collegedale, Tennessee graduating with her Associate of Science in Biology. She then attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, earning her Bachelor of Science as a Physician Assistant. Stacy has been Board Certified since 2001 and has successfully completed renewal of her board maintenance. Additionally, she has been designated by demonstration of competency and clinical hours as a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist.
Examining Investigator
Bryon is originally from the foothills of north Georgia. He has been in the field of neurology since 2009 and he has been focused on Electroneurodiagnostics since 2010. He is a registered nerve conduction study technologist through the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists. He is also a certified medical assistant through the American Association of Medical Assistants. He is an active member of both associations as well as an active member of ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. He also has significant experience in performing other Neurodiagnostic modalities including electroencephalography and evoked potentials. His background includes motorsports, computer programming and metalworking. His hobbies include going to the beach, swimming, and as he puts it, “always learning something new.
Director, Clinical Operations
Clellia Bergamino is the Owner of Geodyssey Research, LLC. Clellia has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida and has worked in the medical field since 1988. Clellia began working as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 1994.
Primary responsibilities include oversight of all clinical trials within the company. Additional responsibilities include contract and budget negotiations, staff management and determining the feasibility of incoming clinical trials. In addition, she oversees the ongoing financial aspects of each clinical trial
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
Elizabeth has worked in clinical research since 2003. Her experience in research includes clinical trials working in HIV/AIDS, Cardiology, Rheumatology and Neurology. She is the senior coordinator at VBNRI and performs all aspects of running clinical trials.
Our passion is to bring large scale clinical research to our local community to facilitate access to trials that are typically conducted at prominent universities and research centers in larger metropolitan areas.
