Download the HonorHealth Research Institute Impact Report (PDF format)

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“We have attracted among the world’s best researchers, physicians and other healthcare workers. They could choose to go anywhere in the world, but they choose to be here — because we are elevating research.”

— MARK A. SLATER, PhD
CEO, HonorHealth Research Institute

 

 

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From great care to lasting impact!

Through the generosity of compassionate donors like you, HonorHealth Research Institute’s renowned team of experts provides new hope to patients with rare, recurring or difficult-to-treat conditions.

Not only do patients often express gratitude for the restoration of their own health, but they are grateful to have participated in an enterprise that helps other patients and whose outcomes will resonate exponentially into the future to benefit all humanity. Even when patients do not survive their illness, their family members return time and time again to ask, “How can we help?”

Over more than two decades, the Research Institute has evolved from a testing platform for new drugs and devices to a proactive setting in which patients’ lives are not only extended but enhanced. Our advanced practice providers pride themselves in caring for others, providing a true measure of empathy that is reflected in the ideal that they treat patients as they themselves would want to be treated.

Elsewhere, patients may be told there is no more that can be done for them, but relentless innovators at the Institute continuously expand the realm of possibilities to produce new avenues of hope, novel treatment opportunities and life-changing answers.

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Accomplishing the incredible!

In 2025, HonorHealth Research Institute delivered transformative advancements in research and innovation, enhancing patient care.

By integrating the latest scientific discoveries with clinical excellence, the Institute achieved remarkable successes, driving better outcomes while elevating the standard of care, including:

• 5,843 HRI clinic patient visits
• 322 clinical trials
• 77 new clinical studies initiated
• 3 FDA novel therapy approvals
• 172 research publications
• And over the last five years: 4,838 research participants!

 

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Because of you

As a nonprofit, community-based healthcare system, HonorHealth relies on your kindness and generosity to help provide the exceptional care you and your family expect and deserve. Every patient’s experience with the HonorHealth Research Institute is made possible through philanthropy. Because of you, we remain committed to building stronger, healthier communities together.

When you give through HonorHealth Foundation, you support more than great care. Your contributions improve health and well-being, fuel medical breakthroughs, advance innovative research and transform lives across our community and beyond.

We are profoundly grateful for your visionary support and transformational investment in the future of healthcare!

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Your generosity in action

Retired trucking company owner tests drug meant to reduce inherited and dangerous type of blood fat.

There are two types of cholesterol, which is a type of fat found in blood that is essential for various bodily functions, including the production of hormones and vitamin D, as well as to aid in digestion: 

LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can lead to health issues.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove “bad” cholesterol from the bloodstream. There’s also a type of fatty particle that circulates in the bloodstream called Lipoprotein(a). It’s similar to LDL cholesterol, but more dangerous. High levels of Lp(a) can double or even triple a person’s risk of a heart attack.

A cure for Lp(a), which is an inherited trait, has not been identified, but several promising therapies are in development. Thomas Dominowski, 73, of Scottsdale is testing one of those therapies in a clinical trial in the Cardiovascular Research Division of HonorHealth Research Institute. The clinical trial is supervised by Cardiologist Tabitha Moe, MD.

Thomas was diagnosed with elevated Lp(a) in May 2023 and was enrolled in the Amgen 890 clinical trial, testing if a drug called Olpasiran could reduce the risk of clogged arteries. He knows about clogged arteries. One of the main arteries to his heart was found to be 90 percent clogged about four years ago, resulting in double-bypass heart surgery. Doctors then suggested he would be a good candidate for the Amgen 890 clinical trial. He has received a shot of Olpasiran in his stomach every 8-12 weeks for the past two-and-a-half years. He expects to be on the clinical trial for at least another year. But, until the study is complete, Thomas won’t know for sure if he is  receiving the drug, or a placebo.

Interestingly, he has not noticed any difference in his athletic performance or how he feels in general — neither before nor after his heart surgery, nor before or after starting his participation in the clinical trial. Thomas used to play tennis several times a week without any shortness of breath. He still plays several times a week, though now he sometimes plays pickleball or runs. He remains symptom-free, other than elevated Lp(a) levels.

“I haven’t had the least reaction to this. Nothing at all,” said Thomas, who hopes his participation in the clinical trial will somehow benefit his children and other members of his family who might inherit the elevated Lp(a) condition.

Thomas may not know, for now, how he is doing in the clinical trial, but he is glad to participate in it because of the care he receives at the Institute. “The nurses are the backbone of the operation. They are so nice, and so professional, and so easy to talk to. They really are special people. I enjoy going down to see them. It makes my day.”

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Download the HonorHealth Research Institute Impact Report (PDF format)