Every year, millions of Americans receive diagnoses for health conditions, a significant number of which are chronic or potentially life-threatening, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is likely that someone in your circle — be it a friend, family member, or even yourself — is currently managing an illness.
Dealing with health issues can significantly affect an individual's everyday routine. Balancing medical appointments and considering different treatment choices can hinder one's ability to spend quality time with family, create lasting memories, and savor life.
Clinical trials can provide a glimmer of hope by offering the possibility of transformative medications. Here is how they can make a difference in people's lives.
In the last twenty years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized over 900 new medications for the management or treatment of numerous diseases. Despite these advancements, many patients continue to encounter restricted or insufficient treatment choices for their health issues.
Discovering future treatments
In order for physicians to be able to prescribe a new medication, research trials need to be carried out to determine the effectiveness of an investigational drug in the human body. These trials are known as clinical trials.
Clinical trials consist of various phases. The initial phase involves identifying and creating a new medication for research purposes. Subsequent phases are designed to address three fundamental inquiries:
How safe is the medicine?
Does it work?
Does it cause any side effects?
In every clinical trial, organizers are required to adhere to a protocol, which outlines the precise procedures to be followed throughout the study. Researchers strictly adhere to the protocol in order to safeguard the well-being of the participants.
Researchers sometimes evaluate a potential medicine by comparing it to a placebo, which is a substance resembling the medicine but lacking any active components. Alternatively, they may compare it to an already existing treatment for reference.
After the trial phases are finished, the FDA evaluates the outcomes to determine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medicine and whether it should be authorized for doctors to prescribe. New medicines would not exist without clinical trials and the crucial contributions of patients who volunteer and doctors who supervise them.
Anyone has the ability to search for clinical trials and find ways to participate. Physicians seek volunteers who meet particular eligibility criteria, which can differ based on the trial. These requirements may encompass elements like disease diagnosis, age, gender, ethnicity, current medications, and medical background.
While essential for advancing science, clinical trials involve risks. Before joining a trial, participants are provided with details about the risks involved. Furthermore, doctors will explain the study's procedures, possible side effects, and answer any questions.
Deciding to take part in a clinical trial is an individual choice. Individuals opt to enroll in clinical trials for various reasons, such as seeking immediate access to alternative treatments or aiming to support advancements in science and medicine. If you are contemplating participation in a clinical trial, your doctor or the research team associated with the trial can assist you in evaluating whether it is a suitable choice for you.
According to a recent Regeneron survey conducted by The Harris Poll in July and August 2024, nearly half (48%) of 100 U.S. adults aged 18 and older who had taken part in a clinical trial in the last five years stated that their motivation for joining was to enhance or preserve their life. The survey also revealed that 95% of participants were content with the care they received during the trial, and 93% would recommend others to participate in similar trials. Participating in a clinical trial has the potential to positively impact the lives of numerous individuals.
Regeneron: Moving science to medicine through clinical trials
Regeneron is committed to the development of medications for severe illnesses. For more than 35 years, they have utilized scientific advancements to introduce new therapies to patients.
At the heart of this mission are Regeneron's clinical trials. Regeneron expresses gratitude to all individuals involved in the trials - patients, caregivers, doctors, and nurses - who contribute to the ongoing legacy of medical progress that may influence the well-being of future patients.
Find out more
Clinical trials provide hope - hope for medications that could change lives and hope for precious moments and memories with family and friends.
Consider speaking with a doctor about whether a clinical trial might be right for you or a loved one. To learn more about clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.regeneron.com.
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