SANTA FE, N.M. - Jan. 4, 2021 - AXCES Research Group and AXCES Health, both founded by local infectious disease nurse and researcher Wenoah Veikley, have hustled to open their doors amid an alarming surge in COVID cases in New Mexico. Veikley initially founded AXCES Research to fill a gap left when the only community-based infectious disease research program closed earlier this fall. She then founded AXCES Health shortly afterwards to help address the lack of flexible, reliable testing options for northern New Mexicans.
AXCES (Access, eXcellence, Community, Equity, and Science) will create opportunities for New Mexicans to access the same state-of-the-art treatments and testing options typically only available in large urban areas, while ensuring that historically underrepresented groups have an opportunity to participate in research.
The team will offer access to several important COVID treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and antivirals. These trials are being offered to outpatients with the hope of keeping them out of already overburdened hospitals. For many of the trials, AXCES is the only site offering the treatments in New Mexico and the Southwest. "Our focus right now is COVID-19," says Veikley. "As cases are rising in our state and the medical system is increasingly overwhelmed, we need to participate in the search for solutions. New Mexicans have been disproportionately affected by COVID and should have access to the same scientific advances in treatment, testing, and vaccines as people in other parts of the country."
The first COVID treatment trials are currently enrolling, with multiple study options for people diagnosed with mild-to-moderate COVID who do not need to be in the hospital. A vaccine trial is scheduled to begin in the next 6-8 weeks. New Mexicans wishing to participate should email info@axcesresearch.com.
AXCES Health is offering state-of-the-art testing options, including rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing. What sets the team apart is its ability to meet patient testing needs by offering flexible testing options, including evenings and weekends, and drive-up or in-office testing.
AXCES is also registered with the State's Vaccine Provider Registry to ensure that vaccine distribution can occur as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Veikley is joined by Linda Gorgos, MD; Michael Palestine, MD; Erika Benson, FNP, and Kate Morton, PharmD. The AXCES team has nearly 75 years of combined research experience working on 130+ clinical trials.
Requests for information, interviews, and high-resolution photos should be directed to Kate@axcesresearch.com. For more information about clinical trials and testing, visit www.axcesresearch.com/info.
Contact
Kate Morton PharmD (COO, Axces Health)
