Let's talk medical research

Today, nearly 25 million people in the United States are living with asthma. For 5 to 10% of those living with asthma, symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath aren't well managed by their current treatments. 

Today, study teams have a variety of clinical trial recruitment tools at their disposal to find the right patients for their studies. As anyone involved in the patient recruitment process knows, enrolling patients into studies isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Complex protocols in particular can make recruiting patients particularly difficult – and make using a varied approach more important. 

If you live with asthma, you may still have trouble with symptoms even on your regular medication. That’s why asthma clinical trials explore new potential treatments for asthma.

Do you know anyone who has participated in a clinical trial? It's very possible the answer is no. Studies show that patients are interested in participating, but don't often hear about opportunities to take part.

If you're thinking of working with a clinical trial patient recruitment company, most sites and sponsors evaluate bids from a few different companies before making a selection.

Patients do not have to pay for the majority of clinical trial costs. The trial sponsor covers the cost of research and data analysis, which makes up most trial costs. Trial participants may have to pay copays and payments toward a deductible if those are part of your insurance plan .

[Updated June 2019]

Prior research on patient interest in clinical trials has tended to focus on studies as a monolith. At Antidote, we were curious whether the type of trial – observational, interventional, etc. – made a difference in terms of patient interest.

Looking back, Carol Roberts believes she experienced the fatigue associated with primary biliary cholangitis, or PBC, years before her diagnosis.

You found a clinical trial you're interested in, and reached out to the site or answered a few questions about your medical history online. But who decides if you're ultimately selected for a clinical trial?