TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, between the City of Long Beach and the University of California, Los Angeles to participate in a methamphetamine dependence study in the amount of $36,283 for the period of April 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010; and increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $36,283. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) approached the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) to work collaboratively on a research study addressing methamphetamine (Meth) addiction. This resulted in a grant in the amount of $36,283 to the Health Department to conduct a medical study involving a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the drug Modafinil vs. Placebo for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence.
Meth addiction has reached almost epidemic proportions in our country, and it's destructive effects are felt at every level of society; destroying lives, fueling the spread of HIV and STDs, increasing criminality, disrupting family units and causing severe psychiatric and behavioral problems. Currently, there is no approved drug for Meth addiction and dependence.
Modafinil, a non-amphetamine type stimulant drug that is currently approved by the FDA in the treatment of narcolepsy, a disorder causing daytime sleepiness, will be tested in this study to determine if it will aid in reducing the negative effects of Meth addition, including use, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms, among other medical benchmarks.
Modafinil has already been shown to be effective in the management of cocaine abuse and dependence. Testing will be conducted in a collaborative effort between staff of the Health Department and UCLA. Human subjects oversight for this study will be provided for by the UCLA Human Subjects Review Board.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy...
Click here for full text