Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures in human volunteers. These studies help researchers determine whether new treatments are safe and effective before they become available to the general public.

Clinical trials are carefully designed and monitored to minimize risks. All trials must be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) that ensures participant safety and ethical standards. You will be informed of all known risks before participating, and you can withdraw at any time.

Phase I trials test safety and dosage in a small group. Phase II trials evaluate effectiveness and side effects in a larger group. Phase III trials confirm effectiveness in large populations and compare to existing treatments. Phase IV trials occur after FDA approval to monitor long-term effects.

Some trials use placebos (inactive treatments) for comparison, but you will always be told if this is possible before you agree to participate. Many trials compare new treatments to existing standard treatments rather than placebos.

Each clinical trial has specific eligibility criteria based on factors like age, diagnosis, medical history, and current medications. Our eligibility screener provides preliminary guidance, but final eligibility is determined by the study team after a thorough screening process.

If you appear to meet preliminary criteria, you'll be directed to our research partner sites to learn more and formally apply. The study team will then contact you for additional screening, which may include medical exams, lab tests, and a review of your medical history.

It depends on the specific trial. Some studies exclude participants with certain conditions, while others specifically seek participants with multiple conditions. Each trial's eligibility criteria will specify what conditions may affect your participation.

Most clinical trials cover the cost of study-related care, including the investigational treatment, required tests, and medical visits. You typically do not need insurance to participate, though you should confirm coverage details with each specific study.

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel. Amounts vary by study and typically range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the trial. Specific compensation details are provided before you agree to participate.

Clinical trials generally cover the cost of study-related procedures, visits, and medications. Some trials also reimburse travel expenses. However, costs for treating pre-existing conditions or non-study-related care may not be covered.

Compensation policies vary by study. Some trials pay after each visit, while others provide payment at study completion or at specific milestones. Payment methods may include checks, prepaid debit cards, or direct deposit.

BioPharmaceuticals.org is an informational website that helps connect patients with clinical trial opportunities. We provide eligibility screening tools and educational resources to make clinical trial participation more accessible. We are not a healthcare provider and do not conduct clinical trials ourselves.

Yes. Our eligibility screener processes your responses entirely within your web browser—this information is never sent to or stored on our servers. We collect minimal data and do not ask for personally identifiable health information. See our Privacy Policy for details.

We only feature clinical trials that are FDA-regulated, IRB-approved, and conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. We partner with reputable research organizations and regularly update our listings to ensure accuracy.

Our eligibility screener does not collect or store personal information. When you click to view partner studies, you are redirected to third-party websites that have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing their policies before submitting any information.

Informed consent is the process of learning about a clinical trial before deciding whether to participate. The study team will explain the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, and you'll receive a written document to review. You must sign this document before participating, but signing doesn't obligate you to stay in the study.

Yes, absolutely. Participation in any clinical trial is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time for any reason without penalty. The study team will help ensure your withdrawal is safe and may ask about your reasons to improve future research.

Visit frequency varies significantly by study. Some trials require weekly visits, while others may only need monthly or quarterly check-ins. Many newer trials also incorporate remote monitoring and telehealth visits to reduce the burden on participants.

You should continue seeing your regular doctors during a clinical trial. The study team will coordinate with your healthcare providers as needed. Always inform both your regular doctors and the study team about all medications and treatments you're receiving.