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P3 PharmD student Francis Depalo will work with Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Menner Family Endowed Faculty Fellow Mia Lussier to examine clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, they will compare the health outcomes of patients who initiated newer diabetes therapies (such as GLP-1 receptor agonists) while on metformin compared to patients who initiated the newer therapies without metformin. 

Treatment guidelines usually recommend continuing metformin when starting newer medications, but the pair want to better understand whether patients who do experience better health outcomes than those initiated on newer therapies. To do so, the pair analyze de-identified electronic health records, comparing outcomes such as blood sugar control, weight changes, kidney function, cardiovascular health, and other important clinical measures between the two cohorts.

“As new medications become available, it's essential that healthcare providers understand what regimens have proven to be the most efficacious for their patients,” Depalo said. “While clinical guidelines are based on the best available evidence, continued research helps determine whether those recommendations remain the best approach for diverse patient populations.”

The goal of this research is to better understand which treatment approach provides the greatest benefit for patients in clinical practice; optimizing medication therapy can improve patients' quality of life, reduce complications, and potentially lower healthcare costs.

“This research allows me to explore questions that have direct implications for patient care,” Depalo added. “It's rewarding to know that the work we're doing today could eventually help guide treatment decisions and improve the lives of patients in the future.”

He hopes to go on to complete a residency to continue developing his clinical knowledge and patient care skills. He is particularly interested in ambulatory care pharmacy and the chance to build long-term relationships with patients while managing chronic disease states and optimizing medication therapy —  though this project has also instilled an interest in academia and mentoring future pharmacy students, in part thanks to the ������ɫ faculty who have taught him so much.

“Working alongside Dr. Lussier, Dr. Rattinger, and Dr. Pauling has been an exceptional experience, as their knowledge about diabetes and the process of conducting research has made the project less daunting,” he said. “This is my first formal research experience; the professors have helped me understand not only the technical aspects of conducting research but how to critically evaluate evidence, and what aspects to be mindful of throughout the process.”