Why Clinical Trials:
Clinical trials play a vital role in determining whether new and innovative medications are safe and effective for treating common medical conditions.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews the results of clinical trials to decide whether a study medication is appropriate for use by the general public. These studies also provide essential guidance to physicians and other healthcare professionals, helping them understand how medications should be used in real-world care. This includes identifying which conditions respond best to the treatment, the appropriate dosage, how often and how long the medication should be taken, which patients should avoid it, and what side effects may occur—and how to minimize them.
At some point in life, most people will need medication to manage an illness or health condition. These treatments exist today because individuals volunteered to participate in clinical trials. Volunteers are fundamental to the advancement of medical care, and everyone benefits from their contribution. Just as others helped develop the medications we rely on today, volunteering in research helps shape the treatments of tomorrow.
At WKRI, all clinical trials are conducted by experienced physicians and qualified healthcare professionals. Before a study begins, the research plan is thoroughly reviewed and approved by the FDA and independent review boards. Once approved, our research team carries out each study with close attention to detail and continuous participant monitoring. This rigorous process ensures the quality of the research data while prioritizing the safety and well-being of every participant.
If you would like to learn more about one or more of our studies, please share some basic background information and a member of our team will contact you.
Who can participate:
Anyone who is interested in participating in a research study and meets the study’s eligibility requirements may take part. Before enrolling, all potential participants are provided with a detailed written explanation of the study and have the opportunity to discuss it with the study team and study physician. During this process, all questions are addressed, and informed consent must be given prior to participation.
The informed consent document explains the purpose of the study, its expected duration, the medical procedures involved, potential risks and benefits, and the rights of participants. These rights include the ability to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without penalty or impact on future care.
After informed consent is obtained, participants complete a comprehensive medical screening to ensure they can safely take part in the study. This evaluation may include a review of medical history, physical examination, vital signs, and laboratory testing. All screening assessments are provided at no cost to the participant, and results are available for their personal records.
If you would like to speak with a member of our research team about available studies, please submit some basic background information and we will contact you.