Participating in clinical research allows you to try new treatments for any conditions, such as hair loss, cellulite, eczema, and sagging skin around the neck. Additionally, you get to play a crucial role in the advancement of medical science through quality studies. At DeNova Research in Chicago, IL, we offer patients access to innovative techniques and clinical studies in cosmetic medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery.
You can opt to join our studies and be part of our dedicated team of researchers, physicians, and patients to help deliver dermatological solutions to the world.
Eligibility Guidelines
Before you join our studies, we must evaluate your eligibility to ensure you’re the right candidate. Each study has a unique set of criteria for inclusion or exclusion. Bear in mind that the guidelines are provided by the Institutional Review Board to ensure the safety of all volunteers. Also, if you qualify, you may opt to quit the study at any time.
You’ll first undergo a pre-screening process via telephone before we schedule a screening visit. We must ensure you’re not using any medication that might interfere with the study. Our team will review your medical history to make sure the research is ideal for you. Laboratory tests and physical exams are also crucial during the qualification process.
Becoming a Patient
At DeNova Research, you get the opportunity to receive trial treatments at no cost. You simply need to join our database of patients, and then you’ll receive emails from us whenever new studies are available. You’re free to respond to any of the emails to apply or ask questions.
Our patient database is confidential, and we always adhere to HIPAA Privacy Rules. Once you submit your information, we guarantee that your information is safe.
Understand the Study’s Phases
When we select patients for trials, we next help them understand the essential stages involves in the study. You can opt to join at any phase of the study, and it’s important to follow our recommended post-care instructions during the research.
Phase One
After qualifying, you can join phase one of the clinical research, and the aim of the phase is usually to assess the safety of the drug or technique. At this stage, the number of volunteers is generally small; about 20 to 100 patients. This allows for easy monitoring to ensure we get adequate feedback from the patients as fast as possible.
We focus on determining what happens to the drug while the body, and we also monitor potential side effects that might occur. As a volunteer, it’s vital to know that this phase might take several months. You need to make sure that you’ll be available for visits to our research site when required during the trial period.
Phase Two
At this stage, the drug or technique has shown to be safe for the body. After the completion of phase one, we take the time to review the study results and feedback before moving to phase two, and the focus here is to test the efficacy of the procedure or treatment. This phase can last from a few months to about two years.
The number of patients at this phase is usually about several hundred patients. Here, we usually have two or more groups of patients. One group receives the experimental drug or treatment, while the other group gets a placebo or standard treatment for the condition being investigated. This allows us to compare the efficacy of the new treatment to other drugs.
Phase Three
During phase three, the focus is to understand the effectiveness of the new treatment or drug better. It also a crucial stage as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitors the trials to understand better the benefits, effectiveness, and side effects of the drug or treatment. The number of patients at this stage can go up to several thousand, and the study lasts for several years, depending on the condition.
This phase is essential because it’s the last stage before the FDA approves the drug or treatment for marketing. About 70 to 90 percent of drugs that reach this stage are typically approved.
Clinical Research Visits
The ethical and regulatory codes for clinical trials require patients to visit our research site during the study period. A typical visit takes about one to three hours, and you’ll be required to fill out questionnaires to provide feedback on the drug. During the visit, we’ll note down your vital signs, conduct lab tests, and perform physical assessments.
During the final visit, you’ll complete your participation in the trial. This visit usually occurs a month after the final treatment or dosage. Each study has unique timelines and requirements, which we provide before you join.
Final Thoughts
As a patient, it’s essential to understand the process and details of any clinical study before joining. Be sure to check the health facilities and care services any research center offers to ensure the best experience during the study. Most importantly, be sure to provide all information on your health and medication to the team if selected.
Volunteering to join clinical research studies is a noble cause that allows you to take part in scientific breakthroughs while getting treatment for your condition. Call us at DeNova Research in Chicago, IL, where we strive to offer the best experience possible and are ready to put our 80 years of research experience to work for you.
