Clinical trials are used to develop treatments and interventions in the battle against disease, accident and trauma, and even the effects of aging. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into clinical research and why you need, for example, Phase 1 clinical trials healthy volunteers or volunteers for paid depression studies, keep reading for some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Has This Method Worked to Develop Useful Treatments?
Yes, there are many drugs and treatments that have been developed using this type of study. Hepatitis C is one example. Only a few decades ago, Hepatitis C required life-long treatment and often resulted in the need for a liver transplant. Thanks to the drug developments that went through clinical trials, today close to 95% of those with the disease are completely cured after just eight to 12 weeks of treatment with a drug.
What do Pharmaceutical Companies Do With All Their Profits?
The majority of profits that come to a pharmaceutical company are farmed back into research to develop new treatments. In 2017, the industry spent close to $150 billion on research and development. Since 2014, the five of the top 11 leading research firms were pharmaceutical companies.
How Long Does it Take to Get A New Drug On the Market?
On average, it takes 20 years for new drugs to be developed and put on the market. That is 20 years of tremendously expensive research and development, clinical trials and research before any drug ever gets sold. Once it is marketed, a drug can be exclusive to one manufacturer for only five years before they must allow other manufacturers to have the formula and begin making it.
Do Most Drugs Make it Through Clinical Trials?
No. The probability of success for clinical trials is just over 21%. Drugs related to cancer treatment only have a success rate of 3.4%. The overall chances of a drug or compound going to market is only about 10%.
What Are the Parts of a Clinical Trial?
There are generally four phases to clinical trials. They are number from Phase 1 to Phase 4. Phase 1 clinical trials healthy volunteers are tested in limited ways to ensure that the drug is not dangerous. Drugs that pass move one to Phase 2, where more testing will be done to make sure the drugs are safe and effective. In Phase 3, volunteers are often chosen who suffer from disorders and diseases the drug is targeted to treat. Drugs that enter Phase 4 may be prescribed freely by doctors, but are watched carefully by the FDA for any unexpected side effects that may suddenly appear once more people are taking it.
Why Use Phase 1 Clinical Trials Healthy Volunteers?
Many people wonder why you would use Phase 1 clinical trials healthy volunteers and not people with an illness or sickness that needs to be treated with the drug. This is done for two important reasons:
- To fully understand the action of the drug. Only by seeing how a drug works in a healthy person’s body is it possible to really understand it and how it works. This is an important first step before giving it to those who are ill.
- Healthy volunteers are best able to deal with potential side effects. While no drug is allowed into phased trials if researchers expect it to have any serious side effects, there is never any way of knowing perfectly everything that could appear once people begin taking the drug. People are different, and certain people may experience an entirely unexpected reaction. Often those who are suffering from trauma or disease have different experiences than healthy individuals, so it is important to start treatment with the healthy.
What Should I Expect if I Sign Up?
You will first be fully informed of all the risks involved and asked to sign a consent form. Then a few tests will be done to make sure you qualify for the study’s specific requirements. These tests might include blood drawing and a urine sample, and possibly a physical or an ECG.
Volunteering for a clinical trial is one of the most philanthropic things a person can do. These trials are crucial to the development of important, life-savings treatments.
