What Are Clinical Trials?
Medical research is crucial for developing new and effective medications for life-altering conditions and diseases – and clinical trials are a way for regular people like you to contribute to such an important process. In fact, with the help of study participants, researchers are able to use clinical trials to better understand, treat, diagnose, and even prevent different medical conditions.
Clinical trials are run by qualified, board-licensed healthcare professionals. They are also watched over by independent committees, comprised of individuals in both medical and nonmedical fields whose purpose it is to ensure that participants are told everything they need to know and are fully protected.
Phases Of Clinical Research Trials:
Clinical research trials are traditionally divided into different phases. Each phase is designed to gather specific information about the study drug or treatment.
Phase I: The first human tests of investigational drugs or therapies occur in Phase I trials. Phase I research trials are designed to determine the best dose of the study drug and to check for any potential side effects. These trials usually involve small numbers of participants. Because Phase I trials use study drugs that have never been tested in humans, they may involve significant risks.
Phase II: If an investigational drug is initially shown to be safe and well tolerated, it moves on to Phase II trials. These trials are designed to see how well the study drug works, usually in a larger group of participants.
Phase III: If the investigational drug is effective in Phase II trials, it may move on to Phase III trials. Phase III trials test the safety and how well the drug works in hundreds or even many thousands of participants. Often Phase III trials compare the study drug to an existing standard treatment in a randomized fashion.
Phase IV: These trials are conducted after the FDA has approved a drug and after the drug is on the market. Phase IV trials typically involve a large number of participants. They may evaluate new uses of existing therapies or be used to detect side effects that did not appear during Phase III studies.
Why Participate In A Clinical Trial?
Millions of people enroll in clinical trials each year, and they all have different reasons for doing so. Some volunteers participate in trials to contribute to science and help others. Meanwhile, people with a particular disease or health condition may also be drawn to clinical trials as a way to gain access to new or experimental treatments and drugs. Whatever your reason for seeking out a medical research study, a clinical trial will give you the opportunity to learn more about your condition while receiving expert medical attention from licensed doctors and clinical trial staff.
Individuals who participate in clinical receive reimbursement for time and travel expenses, in addition to FREE trials:
- Study related physical exams
- Study related laboratory services
- Study medication
The reasons why you consider a clinical trial are yours alone. You should only decide once you know all the details, including known benefits and risks, planned tests, and how long you will be expected to participate.
How Can I Enroll In A Clinical Trial?
If you or someone you know has one of the medical conditions listed below, please contact us to make an appointment for a FREE medical evaluation to determine your eligibility for participation in one of our clinical trials. An experienced study professional will provide you with complete information about the trial.