
Research & Clinical Trials
The Dermatology Clinical Research Center (DCRC) is at the forefront of advancing dermatology through innovative and impactful research. Our team of expert, certified professionals brings dedication and precision to every step of the clinical trial process—from planning and development to implementation and regulatory oversight.
Guided by Clinical Research Director Jun Lu, MD, FAAD, the DCRC explores a wide range of skin conditions with one clear mission: to deepen our understanding of dermatologic disease and to uncover new therapies that improve patients’ lives.
Beyond conducting investigator-initiated studies, we actively collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies and academic medical centers, bringing cutting-edge research opportunities to UConn Health. Through these efforts, the DCRC strengthens UConn Health’s commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and discovery.
Our Team
Jun Lu, MD, FAAD
Director of Dermatology Clinical Research
Akua Pokuah Sarfo, MD, PhD
Assistant of Director of Dermatology Clinical Research
Ektor Rafti, MD
Clinical Research Associate II
Meg Toro, CCRC
Clinical Research Associate II
Ekaterina Korytnikova, MD
Clinical Research Fellow
Gustavo Freitas
Medical Student
Stephanie Humen
Medical Student
Current Open Studies
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Assessment of Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events of Oral Upadacitinib in Adult and Adolescent Participants With Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa Who Have Failed Anti-TNF Therapy
- Eltrekibart (LY3041658) in Adult Participants With Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CCLE) and Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Atopic Dermatitis
- Lebrikizumab (LY3650150) in Participants 6 Months to <18 Years of Age With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Amlitelimab Monotherapy Compared With Placebo in Participants Aged 12 Years and Older With Moderate-to-severe Atopic Dermatitis (COAST 2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Treatment Response and Safety of Two Dose Regimens of Subcutaneous Amlitelimab Compared With Treatment Withdrawal in Participants Aged 12 Years and Older With Moderate-to-severe Atopic Dermatitis (ESTUARY)
- Atopic Dermatitis Registry. A Study of Post-Approval Drug Safety and Efficacy.
- Adolescent Atopic Dermatitis Drug Safety and Effectiveness Registry
Alopecia Areata
GPP
Psoriasis