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Clinical trials (or studies) are the only way to know if a new medication or treatment is safe and effective for use, and undergo a rigorous review process before being approved by the FDA. These trials help map out the potential side effects and verify effectiveness for a targeted health condition, so clinicians and patients can make informed decisions about using a particular medication or treatment.

For some health conditions, there is currently no cure or no approved medications to help treat that condition. Individuals also may be “treatment resistant” to currently available medications. New medications can help to improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms, increase efficacy for more people, reduce the intensity and frequency of occurrences, and reduce the side effects of current medications.

Clinical trials are also critical in ensuring that medications that are not adequately effective or have an unacceptable side effect profile do not get approved for broad clinical use. Only a small fraction of medicines or treatments that go into clinical trials are approved by the FDA.

All study visits and related procedures are provided at no cost. Most studies offer compensation for time and travel.

Transportation can be arranged to and from the site if needed.

No. We do not collect, notify, or bill your insurance. Participants do not need active insurance to participate.

Yes. You can still see all your doctors as usual. Clinical trial physicians serve in a specialist role, like you would see a cardiologist or neurologist, working along with your Primary Care Physician (PCP).

While we prefer to inform your current doctor of your study participation to ensure continuity of care, it is completely up to you if you want your doctor notified. You must sign a release of information form giving us permission to share information with your doctor.

Study eligibility differs depending on the study and is based on a number of factors. We typically schedule an evaluation appointment prior to a participant screening for a study to review your medical history, medication, and severity of the condition for which you are seeking clinical trial. Final decisions on study eligibility are up to the Principal Investigator (PI) and the Sponsor of the study.

Most side effects can and will be managed by the clinical trial physicians. If a side effect needs further evaluation and treatment, all related costs are covered by the Sponsor. The clinical trial physicians and the Sponsor will assess each situation and determine if it is safe for you to continue on the medication or not.

A placebo an inactive substance (i.e. sugar pill) that offers no therapeutic treatment. Most studies require the use of placebos in what are called “double blind” studies. This means that some participants will receive the study medication and some will receive a placebo. Neither you nor the clinical trial physicians/team know if you are on the study medication or a placebo. The decision as to who receives the study medicine or placebo is completely random and computer generated. The purpose of using placebos is to help determine if the study medication is in fact providing enough efficacy in treating a particular health condition.

Medications effect each person differently, and what works for you may not work for someone else. Additionally, if you enrolled in a “double blind” study, you may be on a placebo. Your clinical trial physician will review all of the study and medication information with you during the informed consent process, and discuss your progress at all study visits. You can also stop study participation at any time.

Study participation is 100% voluntary. You can withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason.