Why are clinical research studies necessary?
For society to have access to new medications and therapies, research studies must be conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Who pays for clinical research studies? There are two usual sources for funding of clinical research studies: 1) the federal government (through the National Institutes of Health), and; 2) private industry (pharmaceutical & biotech companies). The sponsor of the clinical study contracts with physicians to conduct research studies. Physicians are typically paid on a per-patient basis and the medical care is often provided free to the study participant. Study participants are often compensated for their time and/or travel expenses incurred as a result of their participation in a clinical study. Why should a person volunteer to be a study participant? Every new drug (or device) must undergo testing prior
