Medical Trials... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

sparklers_2

Hi, as someone who works in the field, I thought I may add a few comments!

The money that you are paid is for the incovenience of your time, and has to be a "reasonable" amount - which ethics committees will look at and make sure is not too much and not too little. But a reasonable amount for a phase 1 (first in man) study would be around £2000, depending on the nature and time involved.

Northwick Park, (the study where the people had severe reactions) is a rare case. Since then, the procedure has been changed slightly, so that first in man doses are put into individuals one at a time, with an interval of at least 40 minutes to allow for any reactions.

Not all first in man studies are necessarily for a new drug. If a company produces a slightly different version of an existing drug eg a stronger dose of aspirin, this still has to be tested. So you could be trying out a new headache pill that is already shown to be effective.

As a smoker, I can't participate in studies but I would if I could.

yesness

This sounds very interesting. Just wondering whether anyone knows of any trials in Southampton area? Thanks

[Deleted User]

froggy_girl128 wrote: »

Can you recommend a company?

Some of my family have used Simbec in Merthyr, South Wales loads of times. MAde loads of money and never had any probs...

Albagubrath1314

I applied for a trial in my area on Sunday though Biotrax. Anyone know how long you normally have to wait before someone gets in touch with you?

flossy_splodge

You have to be stark staring bananas to go for this as a means of income. If anyone really thinks that drug companies are not driven by profit profit profit first second and third then can I join you on your cloud in la la land.
There is no proof at all as to the exent of any comeback years down the line - why would you risk such a thing.
Remember the old adage - if it seems like too easy money it probably is - buyer beware???:eek:

weebear

Hi

Just wondering if any of you know of any companies I can register with in the Glasgow/Renfrewshire/Ayrshire areas of Scotland??

Thanks

CynicAl_3

weebear wrote: »

Hi

Just wondering if any of you know of any companies I can register with in the Glasgow/Renfrewshire/Ayrshire areas of Scotland??

Thanks

You'll need to register with a clinical research company or laboratory rather than a pharma company - most pharma companies farm (no pun intended!) out their research to outside agencies because it a) introduces a buffer between litigation and their coffers and, b) ring-fences financial risk somewhat. I would also suggest deciding which therapeutic area you think offers the maximum risk-benefit ratio (basically avoid any immune-modulating drugs and go for 'safer' ones that are based on existing molecules). Google is well useful for this kind of research. One last thing, though: whatever you embark on, READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY AND INFORM YOUR GP OR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!! :eek:

CynicAl_3

...I meant immune system modulating drugs!

stphnstevey

CynicAl wrote: »

You'll need to register with a clinical research company or laboratory rather than a pharma company - most pharma companies farm (no pun intended!) out their research to outside agencies because it a) introduces a buffer between litigation and their coffers and, b) ring-fences financial risk somewhat. I would also suggest deciding which therapeutic area you think offers the maximum risk-benefit ratio (basically avoid any immune-modulating drugs and go for 'safer' ones that are based on existing molecules). Google is well useful for this kind of research. One last thing, though: whatever you embark on, READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY AND INFORM YOUR GP OR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!! :eek:

The decision to use an 'agency' (as you put it) is nothing to do with the reasons you mention, it is:

a) If contracted to a Phase I, most Pharma companies don't have direct access to patients or the facilities to deal with them, so use a Phase I Unit dedicated to Phase I research

b) If contracted to a CRO (Clinical Research Organisation), this is normally due to the CRO able to offer contract resource (normally technical people (like me!) who are expensive to employ full time) so the Pharma company can have resource, on and off, as the trial dictates

Nothing to do with litigation as the Pharma company Indemnifies everyone (CRO, Phase I Unit, Doctor etc) so that the buck stops with them. Insurance is taken normally to several million pounds worth of cover.

It does negate risk a little as if they need to stop the trial, they don't have to make pay expensive redundancys, just stop the contract

Joefish

I registered with BioTrax yesterday afternoon and applied for numerous trials in London...got a call this morning, I'm due to start a 3 week trial at the end of Feb for £2430. It's already been tested on 40 people, I do intend to do a little more research into the drug and the company before I fully commit.

Edit - That's my first post? Haha!