For every new medicine discovered that helps with diseases, we need to thank the people who were brave enough to participate in clinical trials. While clinical trials are risky, most of them pose minor discomfort, which usually lasts for the duration of the test.
Before deciding to participate in a clinical trial, people usually ask how safe they are and what the benefits are. You will receive a list of possible risks and give your consent if you want to participate further. Looking on the bright side, these are the four benefits of participating in a clinical trial.
Helping Others
Medicine can only advance if we help each other so that we can have a future where deadly diseases are curable. To achieve this, pharmaceutical companies must research and test new drug combinations. It doesn’t matter what clinical trial you choose to try; each participant is valuable for the outcome of our medical system.
Your participation will give researchers and doctors the necessary information to further or adjust their drug trials. If the trials are successful and the drug is pushed further, it can save lives. Even if the treatment is not working, the information gathered can still help scientists try again with new elements.
Access to New Research Treatments Before the General Public
Before a medicine is safe for the general public, it must undergo multiple trials like an animal and human testing. After that, it can take a few years before treatment gets the green light and can hit the pharmacy shelves.
As a participant in clinical trials, you will have access to such medicine way before the general public. If you are suffering from any disease that doesn’t have available medicine, this is your chance to test it and get better. As you know, there are no guarantees of getting cured, but it’s better to take your chances.
Clinical Trials Protocol Safety
All clinical trials abide by a master protocol. It usually explains how the trial goes and needs to be prepared by an investigator, usually a doctor. The protocol outlines all the stages of the trial and why they are required.
Usually, before a clinical trial starts, companies use a preclinical contract research service for their expertise in drug trials. As a result, they can determine whether a drug is ready for clinical trials and ensure the safety of drug candidates. That being said, clinical trials are generally safe for participants.
You Get Paid for Your Service
Most drug trials offer monetary incentives for people to join. While participating in a clinical trial will not replace an actual job, some pay better than others. Usually, if some trial requires staying for more extended periods in a hospital or there are more risks, they pay better.
However, it’s better to ask first if you will receive monetary benefit rather than assuming it’s a given. For example, some drug trials only offer to pay for medical care during the trial.
Overall, there are multiple benefits to participating in a drug trial but the main one is that you can help yourself and others while making the world a better place.
