A clinical trial is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the safest and fastest way to find treatments that work in certain populations and new ways to improve health.

It is important to test drugs and medical products on the people they are meant to help. It is also important to conduct research on a variety of people because different people may respond differently to treatments. Regulatory Authorities seek to ensure that people of different ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders are included in clinical trials.

Some people participate in clinical trials because they have exhausted standard (approved) 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.

Each specific trial has its own set of rules to follow. These rules are called the protocol for the study. It spells out what type of patients can be in the study, what procedures will be done in the study, what medications are involved, and the length of participation in the study.

There are no costs to participants in our trials. For most studies, you are reimbursed for your time and travel. That compensation varies from study to study.

No, insurance coverage is not necessary. We do not bill your insurance company for any part of the research study.

All studies are voluntary. Any participant can choose to stop study participation at any time. Risks involved with study participation include the treatment not being effective or receiving a placebo (no active drug), an adverse reaction from the treatment, an uncomfortable procedure (such as a blood draw) or the demands of the trial visits.

Absolutely. Apogee does not want to replace your relationships with your doctors. We will work with you and will, with your permission, send any information to your physician.

Every clinical trial must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure the risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits.

Once the trial is approved by the IRB, the organizers of the study must follow a careful plan, called a protocol, that describes exactly what will happen during the study. You will know the full details of the protocol prior to joining any clinical trial.

This varies by study. When patients are notified whether they received the placebo, we refer to this as “breaking the blind.” Not all studies break the blind.

Clinical research is a vital part of finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Carefully conducted clinical studies are the fastest way to find treatments that are safe and effective. By volunteering for a clinical study, you would be participating in research that may result in a new treatment for a deadly or debilitating disease.