Research at Avera

Since 1998, Avera Research Institute has been home to the testing and development of health care innovations. This medical research adds to the body of scientific knowledge and provides Avera patients with access to cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials.

Avera advances clinical and research efforts by partnering and collaborating with national and international institutions, such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Vrije University in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Genetics & Personalized Medicine

Recognizing that the future of medicine and health care is in genomics and personalized medicine, Avera created the Avera Institute for Human Genetics (AIHG) in 2006. This state-of-the-art molecular genetics laboratory focuses on DNA analysis. It’s also the home to Avera’s GeneFolio test, which provides individualized medical recommendations based on a patient’s unique DNA profile.

Twin Research

The first and only twin register in South Dakota – Avera Twin Register – is a division of the AIHG, which utilizes the collection and analysis of the DNA of twins to develop a better understanding of how genes influence human traits and diseases.

Clinical Research & Trials

By participating in national and international clinical trials – for cancer and cardiovascular conditions – Avera patients benefit from having access to a variety of innovative clinical trial options for treatment, prevention and diagnosis.

Clinical Cancer Research

The Avera Research Institute, in collaboration with the Avera Cancer Institute, features a robust cancer research program with many cancer clinical trials. Patients regularly have access to approximately 100 open clinical studies through the National Cancer Institute and industry sponsors. Patients also have the option to participate in investigator-initiated trials – studies in which Avera physicians propose their own ideas to research.

If you’re interested in participating, view our participant information.

Applied Research

Through applied research, Avera researchers focus on developing marketable products that improve lives through health care innovations. Current projects include Alucent – an innovative treatment for peripheral vascular disease that’s currently undergoing Phase 1 human clinical trials – and a novel photochemical tissue bonding technology with clinical applications.

Cancer Research for American Indians

Walking Forward, a research program of Avera, addresses cancer disparities between American Indian and non-American Indian populations in South Dakota by providing access to cancer education, screening, patient navigation and cancer treatment.

Pediatric & Community Research

The Avera Research Institute Center for Pediatric & Community Research team uses community-based research to gain insight into child health and development, particularly in historically high-risk or medically underserved populations. Learn more about their research on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), safe sleep environments and more.