What are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that help doctors and scientists learn whether medical treatments, vaccines, devices, or approaches to care are safe and effective.
Every approved medication, vaccine, and medical device has gone through research before becoming available. That progress depends on people who choose to participate.
If you are thinking about joining a study, this page explains how clinical trials work, what to expect, and how to decide whether a study may be right for you.
The Clinical Trial Process
How It Starts
New treatments don't go from the lab to your medicine cabinet overnight. They move through a series of phases, each designed to answer specific questions.
Researchers may study:
- Whether a treatment works as intended
- What dose may be appropriate
- What side effects may occur
- How the treatment compares with existing options
- Whether it remains safe and effective over time
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews data at every stage before a treatment can move forward.
Discovery
Companies and research foundations spend years (and sometimes billions of dollars) hunting for molecules that might help treat conditions. Lots of computer modeling, lots of scientists hunched over benches.
Preclinical
Before a treatment is tested in people, researchers study it in lab settings to better understand how it may work and whether it may be appropriate to move into human research.
More computer simulations, plus "in vitro" testing — which means "in glass." Think beakers, petri dishes, and sophisticated equipment.
Side note: This phase used to always require animal testing. Thanks to recent FDA changes, that's no longer mandatory — though it still happens in some cases.
Phase 1: First Human Studies
This is where a treatment is tested in people for the first time. Researchers work with a small group — usually 20 to 80 participants — to evaluate safety, figure out appropriate dosages, and watch for side effects. These studies typically last less than a year.
Phase 2: Does It Work?
If Phase 1 goes well, the treatment moves to a larger group, often a few hundred people. The focus shifts to effectiveness: Is the treatment doing what it's supposed to do?
Researchers also continue monitoring safety. This phase can last anywhere from several months to a few years.
Phase 3: Large-Scale Testing
Phase 3 trials go big. Thousands of participants across multiple locations (sometimes multiple countries) help researchers confirm that the treatment works, identify side effects, and compare it to existing options. This phase often takes several years.
Phase 4: Post-Approval
Even after the FDA approves a treatment, the research continues. Phase 4 studies track long-term effects, explore new uses, and gather real-world data on how the treatment performs outside of controlled study conditions.
What's it Like to Join a Clinical Trial?
Joining a clinical trial starts with a conversation. The study team will explain the purpose of the study, what visits may be required, what tests or procedures are involved, and whether compensation is available.
If you qualify, you’ll review an informed consent form before deciding whether to participate. Taking part is always voluntary, and you can leave a study at any time.
How to Join a Clinical Trial
Step 1: Find a Study
You might hear about a study from your doctor, spot an ad online, or search for opportunities on a site like MBR's. You can also browse ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of studies worldwide.
Step 2: Connect With a Research Site
Clinical trials happen at research sites — facilities staffed by doctors and trained clinical professionals. When you find a study on MBR, you're connecting directly with the site running it.
After you express interest, someone from the site will reach out (usually by phone or a short questionnaire) to see if the study might be a good fit. If you're not eligible for one study, they may have others, or can let you know when new opportunities come up.
Step 3: Ask Questions
This is your health and your body. Ask anything:
- What are the potential risks?
- How much time will it take?
- What exactly will happen during each visit?
No question is off-limits, and a good research team will take the time to answer thoroughly.
Step 4: Informed Consent
Before you officially join a study, you'll go through what's called the "informed consent" process. This usually happens during your first visit to the research site.
During this process, the research team walks you through everything: what the study involves, what product you'll receive, potential side effects, how many visits you'll need to make, and what happened in earlier phases of research. You'll have the chance to ask more questions.
Once you fully understand what's involved, you can sign the informed consent form and join the study. And here's an important point: you can withdraw at any time.
Step 5: Screening and Physical Exam
You'll receive a physical exam to make sure the study is safe for you. The specifics depend on the study, but this screening is designed to protect your health.
As a bonus, you may receive tests or results that would otherwise cost money out of pocket.
Step 6: Start the Study
Once you're enrolled, you'll receive the investigational treatment (or in some cases, a placebo). Clinical professionals monitor you throughout the study. Your safety is always the top priority.
Step 7: Follow-Up
Some studies involve multiple clinic visits, phone check-ins, or tracking your experience through an app. You may receive payment for each visit or check-in.
Everything is explained during informed consent, so you'll always know what to expect.
Why Join a Clinical Trial?
Receive Study-Related Care
Clinical trials include visits with experienced physicians and clinical research professionals who monitor your health throughout the study.
Study-related exams, tests, and care are typically provided at no cost to you.
Contribute to Something Bigger
Every approved medicine exists because people chose to take part in research.
By participating, you may help researchers learn more about health conditions, investigational medicines, and future treatment options.
Get Compensated for Your Time
Almost all studies at MBR offer payment for study-related time and travel.
The amount varies by study, and you’ll know what to expect before deciding whether to participate.
Learn About Investigational Medicines
Some studies evaluate investigational medicines, vaccines, devices, or approaches to care.
If you qualify, the study team will explain what is being researched, what is known, what is still being studied, and what participation may involve.
Find a Study in Monroe, Charleston, or Louisville
Browse clinical trials currently enrolling at MBR research sites.
What People Say About Joining a Study at MBR
My wife and I visited the facility for initial blood draws. On arrival, we were promptly attended to for completion of the required paperwork. Following completion, our blood draws were performed professionally and in a timely manner. Job well done.
This research facility is the best. The staff makes sure you’re comfortable at every visit. The team is knowledgeable and well organized. This was my first experience here, and I hope it won’t be my last. I enjoy participating in studies knowing it helps develop better solutions for people’s health.
Each of the staff I come in contact with is very knowledgeable and concerned about the welfare of the people. I personally have had someone speak to me concerning my water intake to help my kidneys, and my salt consumption. The monitoring program is very encouraging, knowing that the staffing is aware of health changes.
I was treated very well. [The nurse] was very good, compassionate and gentle when drawing blood.
Common Questions About Clinical Trials
No. Health insurance is not required to join a clinical trial. Study-related care and treatments are typically provided at no cost.
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