Healthy Volunteer or "Phase I" Clinical Trial Information
Phase I studies are conducted with healthy clinical trial volunteers to determine a drug's basic safety and how it affects the body.
What is a healthy clinical trial volunteer?
A healthy clinical trial volunteer is an adult without any significant or pre-existing health problems. Healthy volunteers contribute:
- essential information about how the medication is absorbed, distributed, and excreted by the body
- help in determining initial dosage levels for patient volunteers
Why volunteer for a clinical trial?
Although healthy volunteers rarely receive any therapeutic benefit from participating in clinical studies, many find it to be a rewarding experience for the following reasons:
- free comprehensive physical exam
- financial compensation
- new medical knowledge
- personal satisfaction
What's involved in qualifying for a clinical trial?
As a healthy volunteer, you may be eligible for numerous Phase I clinical research studies. The following criteria will determine whether you’re a candidate for current studies:
- age
- height
- weight
- medical history
- lifestyle habits
- availability (generally, you must live within a reasonable distance to the study site)