Reasons to Participate in a Clinical Trial

A new drug must be tested extensively prior to being made available to the public. Every drug on the market today has been tested in clinical trials.

There are many reasons why people volunteer to participate in clinical trials, including:

• Opportunity to help those who suffer from medical conditions
• Access to investigational treatments before they become widely available
• Opportunity to play a role in the discovery of treatments, cures, and preventions for certain diseases or medical conditions
• Ability to take a more active role in their own healthcare
• Access to free physical examinations and diagnostic tests related to the study
• Potential compensation for time and travel related to the trial

Clinical trials are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles – the same ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice apply to clinical trials.

It is important that volunteers are well-informed and feel confident and secure about participating in clinical trials. PPD encourages them to talk with the clinical trial doctor, their personal physicians and family members before making the decision.