Sponsoring a clinical trial with Equity Medical

Institute for Brain Health Research

The Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research in Memphis, TN, combines specialized investigator expertise with Equity Medical’s clinical research infrastructure to support complex neurology, psychiatry, sleep, and ophthalmology trials.

Led by Joshua Lennon, MD, a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, and Michael Wertheimer, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist, the institute is equipped for trials spanning neurodegenerative disease, neurological conditions, ophthalmological diseases, and sleep and wake disorders.

Sponsoring a clinical trial with Equity Medical

Brain Health Research Expertise

Our investigators and research team support clinical trials across four areas of brain, nerve, eye, and sleep health:

Memory and cognitive health clinical research at the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, Memphis, TN

Neurodegenerative Disease

Neurology clinical trial consultation at the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, Memphis, TN

Neurological Conditions

Myasthenia gravis, stroke, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Retinal imaging for ophthalmology clinical trials at the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, Memphis, TN

Ophthalmological Diseases

Age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, diabetic macular edema/retinopathy, dry eye disease, uveitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and thyroid eye disease.

Sleep disorder clinical trials at the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, Memphis, TN

Sleep & Wake Disorders

Narcolepsia, idiopathic hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and circadian and other sleep disorders.

Joshua Lennon, MD - Principal Investigator at Equity Medical, Memphis, TN

Joshua Lennon, MD

Board-Certified Neurologist & Sleep Medicine Specialist

Dr. Joshua Lennon brings extensive Phase I–IV CNS trial experience across neurodegenerative and sleep disorders. He is dual board-certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine and board-eligible in Obesity Medicine.

His clinical trial experience includes disease-modifying Alzheimer’s therapies, neuropsychiatric assessments, and Data Safety Monitoring Boards.

Michael Wertheimer, MD - Principal Investigator at Equity Medical, Memphis, TN

Michael Wertheimer, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Michael Wertheimer brings over 15 years of ophthalmology experience and Phase II–III clinical trial expertise.

His research spans geographic atrophy, diabetic retinal diseases, and wet age-related macular degeneration, with experience in investigational gene therapies and intravitreal treatments.

Clinical Trial Capabilities

Equity Medical’s Memphis team pairs investigator oversight with specialized clinical capabilities for complex CNS, sleep, and ophthalmology trials.

  • Neuroimaging: PET/CT, including amyloid and tau PET; MRI for screening, volumetric analysis, and ARIA monitoring; DaT SPECT; central imaging/reading center coordination; and streamlined scheduling.
  • Biomarkers & procedures: On-site lumbar puncture/CSF collection, blood-based biomarkers, protocol-compliant sample processing, storage, and shipping, and experienced on-site psychometric raters.
  • Sleep medicine: An accredited sleep lab offering PSG, MSLT/MWT, and HSAT, with board-certified sleep medicine investigator oversight.
  • Ophthalmology: OCT, fundus photography/FAF, BCVA/ETDRS, slit lamp/IOP, tear film assessment and ocular surface staining, and central reading center coordination.
Clinical trial screening at the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, Memphis, TN
Community health screening by Equity Medical in Memphis, TN

Mobile Research Capabilities

Our mobile clinical research units extend the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research beyond the traditional site, bringing research closer to the Memphis community.

The mobile units support select trial activities, community health screenings, and outreach across the Memphis region, including:

  • Community screenings focused on memory, vision, and sleep health
  • Support for decentralized and hybrid clinical trials
  • Select trial visits and procedures closer to participants
  • Flexible deployment based on protocol and patient needs
  • Community outreach and recruitment across the Memphis region

Learn More About Brain Health Studies at Equity Medical

Whether you’re interested in taking part in a study or want to learn more about the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, our team is here to help.

Care team supporting an older adult at the Equity Medical Institute for Brain Health Research, Memphis, TN