While obesity remains one of the most widely studied indications in modern medicine, a major frontier of clinical research lies in addressing its interconnected comorbidities. Conditions like moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis share inflammatory pathways, meaning metabolic and dermatological disease states frequently compound one another. Successfully evaluating therapies at this intersection requires site networks capable of navigating dual-endpoint protocols without compromising data integrity. DelRicht brings specialized operational expertise to co-indication trials, delivering data that reflects the full spectrum of patient health.

Delivering Enrollment Success in Dual-Indication Research

Selected as a participating site network in a U.S.-based Phase 4 obesity and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis trial, DelRicht Research was entrusted with enrolling adults ≥18 years old. Our network was expected to enroll 5 patients across one site. By study close, the Smyrna, TN team enrolled 5 patients diagnosed with obesity or a weight-related comorbidity alongside plaque psoriasis, reaching 100% of the enrollment goal. Despite navigating complex recruitment barriers, this achievement was made possible by Dr. Pezhman Shoureshi of Harpeth Valley Dermatology and the site team, whose work ensured complete enrollment and quality data.

Key Challenges & Implemented Solutions

Navigating this co-indication Phase 4 trial presented distinct patient recruitment and engagement hurdles:

• Strict Eligibility Criteria: Requiring incretin-naive status, specific BMI thresholds, and mandatory 2- to 4-month medication lead-in windows significantly narrowed the eligible patient pool.
• Visit Frequency: 6- and 12-month gaps between site visits during the treatment phase heightened the risk of dropouts, missed evaluations, and incomplete data capture.

DelRicht implemented strategic solutions to maintain recruitment momentum and participant engagement:

• Targeted Recruitment: We leveraged Dr. Shoureshi’s established practice network database and patient word-of-mouth referrals to efficiently identify incretin-naive psoriasis patients meeting exact BMI and metabolic thresholds.
• Proactive Communication: Once patients were identified, the site coordinators maintained structured, continuous communication throughout the 2- to 4-month lead-in period, keeping patients engaged and informed prior to the first subcutaneous injection.
• Engagement Strategies: To bridge long visit gaps, we deployed automated reminders, 24/7 patient support, and dedicated coordinators to secure engagement, long-term retention, and data collection that reflected patients’ real-world experiences with weight loss and psoriasis quality-of-life metrics.

Combining specialized practice access with persistent patient-first care proved to be the key to keeping patients on track. As Rachel Hastings, Managing Partner at DelRicht Research, points out, overcoming these long timelines comes down to site-level execution:

“You can’t set and forget a study with 6-month visit gaps. Our success in this trial came down to simple human connection from Dr. Shoureshi and the site team. By staying in regular contact before and between visits, our coordinators ensured patients felt supported, sustained their interest in the study, and delivered reliable data.”  —  Rachel Hastings, Managing Partner at DelRicht Research.

Partnering in Obesity & Psoriasis Research

DelRicht brings broad, multi-system therapeutic expertise across general medicine and dermatology studies. From navigating complex qualification criteria to engaging long-term patients, our network provides the operational discipline and clinical experience required to advance Phase 4 therapies for patients experiencing interconnected conditions.

If you’re planning an upcoming general medicine or dermatology program, our team is ready to deliver enrollment targets and quality data. Learn more at www.DelRichtResearch.com or connect with our business development team to discuss your next clinical protocol.