Polya Braykova, PharmD successfully graduates the CIS Research Pharmacy Fellowship Program at Gurnee, IL Clinic 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Gurnee, IL – Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. congratulates 2025 Pharmacy Fellowship Program Graduate Polya Braykova, PharmD on her successful completion of the program. In 2024, Polya graduated from Midwestern University College of Pharmacy where she was recognized on the Dean’s List for outstanding academic performance for ten quarters.  

Regarding her experience as a pharmacy fellow, Polya says: “Completing the Clinical Research Fellowship at CIS has given me the skills and experience necessary to grow into a successful and well-rounded Clinical Research Pharmacist. Throughout the fellowship, I had the opportunity to lead and contribute to a variety of impactful projects—both within our organization and the broader field of clinical research. I'm especially grateful to my mentors at CIS for their unwavering support and guidance, as well as to my team members who have made this journey truly enriching.”  

As a pharmacy student at MWU, Polya also successfully completed the competitive Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) elective rotation at CIS Research with President and Director of Regulatory Affairs Dr. Eva Agaiby, PharmD, as her Preceptor:  

“It has been a distinct pleasure to work with the students in our Clinical Research Fellowship Program since we launched the program seven years ago. Cultivating a deep knowledge and skillset, our fellows display intricate involvement in patient care, academia, and the advancement of medical research. Congratulations to another successful graduate- onward board!”, says Eva Agaiby. 

CIS Research is proud to offer unique academic programs to students pursuing Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees. In alignment with our mission ("dedicated to a healthier tomorrow"), CIS's educational opportunities provide formational, real-world clinical experience and valuable networking opportunities to healthcare leaders of the future. 

Read more about our Pharmacy Fellowship Program and other academic opportunities here. 

“Completing the Clinical Research Fellowship at CIS has given me the skills and experience necessary to grow into a successful and well-rounded Clinical Research Pharmacist. Throughout the fellowship, I had the opportunity to lead and contribute to a variety of impactful projects—both within our organization and the broader field of clinical research. I'm especially grateful to my mentors at CIS for their unwavering support and guidance, as well as to my team members who have made this journey truly enriching.”  

- Polya Braykova, PharmD 
  2025 PharmD Fellowship Program Graduate, CIS Research

CIS Research is proud to announce our WCBRB Award and certification as one of the top businesses in America.   

March 20, 2025 | For Immediate Release  

CIS Communications 

CIS Research is proud to announce that we have received the Worldwide Certified Business Review Board (WCBRB) Best Business Award for “Best Research Center in Gurnee, IL” for “consumer satisfaction, outstanding service, business leadership, strong vision.” We have also received WCBRB verification.  

As part of this recognition, Clinical Investigation Specialists received a certification to be displayed in our Gurnee clinic and have received a virtual badge verifying our site. CIS is also listed in the WCBRB online directory.  

We are honored by the recognition and celebrate our award-winning care. Patient satisfaction is the top priority at all CIS Research clinics, and we look forward to continuing our proven track record of excellence.  

Read more about our awards and accolades here. 

View CIS Research on the WCBRB online directory. 

Renowned GI Specialist Brings Decades of Clinical Expertise and Research Leadership. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Des Plaines, IL – Clinical Investigation Specialists (CIS) proudly announces the addition of Dr. Mani Mahdavian, MD, as an Affiliate Principal Investigator specializing in Gastroenterology. Dr. Mahdavian brings over 25 years of clinical experience and a distinguished record in advanced gastrointestinal procedures and research. 

Board-certified in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Mahdavian is renowned for his expertise in endoscopic ultrasound and the treatment of pancreatic biliary diseases. His commitment to patient-centered care is evident in his multilingual approach, offering services in English, German, and Farsi. 

Dr. Mahdavian's academic journey began at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. He completed his internship and residency at Edgewater Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. His dedication to medical education is highlighted by his role as a faculty member at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and his recognition as Teaching Faculty of the Year in the Department of Family Practice (2002-2003). 

In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Mahdavian serves as the Chairman of the Des Plaines Endoscopy Center, leading a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive gastrointestinal care. 

Dr. Mahdavian’s clinical research will be based at the Midtown Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, LLC in Des Plaines, IL, where he will spearhead clinical trials focused on gastrointestinal health. Learn more about our partner clinic in Des Plaines, IL. 

To learn more about our clinical research team, visit Our Team. 

To browse our current clinical studies, visit Current Studies. 

President and Director of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Eva Agaiby, leads groundbreaking research at Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gurnee, IL- CIS Research is pleased to announce our pivotal contributions to clinical trials advancing FDA-approved treatment for patients with diabetes and obesity. Under the leadership of our President and Director of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, Eva Agaiby, PharmD, CIS Research is continually positioned at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions.

Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. has been honored to participate in trials sponsored by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly whose discoveries are contributing significantly to the development of GLP-1 agonist medications Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound, respectively. These drugs have since been FDA-approved and are making a profound impact on patients' lives, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in managing diabetes and promoting weight loss.

Dr. Eva Agaiby, with her extensive expertise in clinical research, has been instrumental in overseeing these trials. Her commitment to excellence and patient care has ensured rigorous standards and ethical practices throughout the research process. Dr. Agaiby  emphasizes the clinic's specialization in diabetes and weight loss treatments, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies to deliver reliable results. Reflecting on the future of diabetes and weight loss drug research, she remains optimistic about continued advancements in therapeutic options.

CIS research is dedicated to conducting ongoing research to uncover new insights and treatments, offering hope to millions affected by these complex and prevalent health challenges.

To learn more about our clinical research team, visit Our Team.

To browse our current clinical studies, visit Current Studies.

Trusted Rheumatologist Contributes Expertise to Support Patients Navigating Lupus and Lupus Nephritis 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Skokie, IL – Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research) is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert A. Hozman, MD, F.A.C.R., a leading rheumatologist with decades of experience treating autoimmune diseases, is collaborating with MyDoc to expand educational outreach for patients living with lupus and lupus nephritis. 

The partnership features Dr. Hozman as a key medical contributor to the MyDoc digital magazine, an initiative designed to help patients and caregivers better understand lupus, explore treatment options, and manage care effectively. The publication includes expert perspectives, clinical insights, and practical tools to empower those impacted by these chronic conditions. 

Dr. Hozman, board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, sees patients at his Skokie, IL practice. He is an Affiliate Principal Investigator- Rheumatology at CIS Research. Learn more about MyDoc at www.mydoconlupus.com 

Learn more about Dr. Hozman. 

Learn more about our Skokie, IL partner clinic.  

Browse our current studies. 

Online discourse surrounding GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide) has exploded in popularity across social media and news outlets.  As clinical research continues and these medications become increasingly accessible for patients, it is important to understand what they are and how they work in the body.  

What is semaglutide? What is it used for and how does it work?   

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It was originally developed for type 2 diabetes. It’s now also used for weight management and is under study for other conditions. 

What is GLP-1? 

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural hormone produced in the intestines after eating.   

How it works: 

• Stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high 

• Reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.  

• Slows stomach emptying to control glucose absorption 

• Suppresses appetite by acting on the brain  

(Source: Drucker, 2006) 

Why is semaglutide so popular right now? 

• Semaglutide is not a new medication. It was first approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes. It gained attention in 2021 when it received FDA approval for weight management.  

• In clinical research, trial participants taking semaglutide showed up to 15% body weight reduction. (Wilding, JP et al., NEJM, 2021) 

• More people now view obesity as a chronic health condition requiring medical treatment rather than a lifestyle issue or a matter of willpower.  

Should You Consider Semaglutide? 

Semaglutide may be effective for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity, but it’s not for everyone. It’s prescription-only and should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication. 

Consider A Clinical Trial  

Clinical trials offer patients access to free, innovative healthcare treatments, whether you have health insurance or not. Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research) is now seeking patients for a variety of clinical trials.

To browse our current studies, click here, or contact us for more information. 

Sources & Further Reading 

1. American Diabetes Association (https://www.diabetes.org ).  
    
2. Drucker, Daniel J. The biology of incretin hormones. Cell Metabolism, 2006. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(06)00028-3 Published January 10, 2006. Accessed April 16, 2025. 
    
3. Drucker, DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1. Cell Metabolism, 2018. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(18)30179-7?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1550413118301797%3Fshowall%3Dtrue Published April 3,  2018. Accessed April 16, 2025. 
    
4. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014. Published June 21, 2021. Accessed April 16, 2025.  
    
5. “What Are My Options for Type 2 Diabetes Medications?.” Accessed April 16, 2025. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/medication/oral-other-injectable-diabetes-medications.  
    
6. Wilding, John P.H. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), 2021. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity | New England Journal of Medicine  Published February 10, 2021. Accessed April 16, 2025.