What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study using volunteers to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease.
Clinical trials are designed to answer questions about new therapies or new ways of using known treatments and to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective.
Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find new treatments that work in people.
Why should I participate?
Some people participate in clinical trials because they have exhausted standard treatment options – which either did not work for them, or they were unable to tolerate certain side effects.
Clinical trials may provide another option when standard therapy has failed. Others participate in trials because they want to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.
Participating in well-designed and well-executed clinical trials is one approach for you to:
- Get actively involved in your healthcare.
- Gain access to new research treatments.
- Have access to expert medical care for the condition being studied.
- Help others by contributing to medical research.
Is there financial compensation for participating in studies?
Volunteers may be offered compensation in certain trials for their time and travel.
How do I participate?
Participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary. See current opportunities at Clinicaltrials.gov
