Clinical Research Center
What is a clinical trial
A clinical trial is a carefully designed study that involves people who volunteer to receive experimental treatments under close supervision by a physician and other research professionals. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have developed these treatments, and their clinical research scientists have developed the study protocols. Our Clinical Research Center has been in full operation since 1994.
What are the risks and benefits of being in a clinical trial?
- Study related medical care, and medications at no cost.
- Compensation for time and travel.
- Participation in the advancement of medical science.
- Potential improvement in condition being studied.
- Potential side effects.
- Pain related to procedures (injections, blood draws, etc).
- Occasional early morning visits.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria is an important principle of medical research that helps to produce reliable results. The factors that allow someone to participate in a clinical trial are called “inclusion criteria” and those that disallow someone from participating are called “exclusion criteria”. These criteria are based on such factors as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. Before joining a clinical trial, a participant must qualify for the study.