Am I a Good Candidate for a Clinical Research Study?

You’ve probably heard of people taking part in clinical trials for a new medication or treatment therapy. Have you ever wondered if you’re a good candidate for a clinical research study? You just might be. 

We conduct our own clinical research studies at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center to benefit our patients and advance medical science. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved our studies for more than two decades. 

Our research explores diseases or conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, toenail fungus, warts, cold sores, hair loss, excessive sweating, unwanted hair removal, and skin cancer, among others. Additionally, we’ve conducted some studies in the cosmetics field. In this vital work, we’re always interested in finding new participants to help advance our research.

How does clinical research work?

Clinical research is the process of finding new or better ways to treat illness and disease. Every prescription medication that your doctor prescribes must be thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy by the FDA. 

Trials in clinical settings play an essential role in research, and it’s common for clinical trials to begin in the lab. More testing is then conducted once the most promising treatments have been investigated in labs and on animals. There are various phases to new treatment studies. As a result, researchers learn more about the treatment, its risks, and its effectiveness. 

The benefit of participation

An FDA-regulated clinical trial is a partnership between doctors, study participants, study sponsors (drug companies), and the FDA to study and test a newly approved medication. Participants in clinical trials are given investigational medicines, and then their information is collected and reported to the sponsor and the FDA. 

While taking part in the study, any study-related visits and procedures are free of charge. That means you pay nothing for any included physical exams, doctor visits, lab tests, study medications, and or any other study-related procedures.

In addition to having the opportunity to use cutting-edge medications, you’ll also help discover the latest treatments available for your disease or condition. In helping to evaluate these new medications, you’ll play a key role in bringing new treatments to the market that may help you and others suffering from the same medical condition.

How does a clinical trial work, and what can I expect?

Clinical research visits are similar to regular visits to the doctor's office in a professional and caring environment. Our staff provides you with a consent form to sign at your initial visit. You’ll read over the form and discuss any questions or concerns with our staff. The consent form explains the most common risks involved in participation in the study and its possible benefits. 

Many details about the study are included in the consent form, including the purpose, duration, schedule of visits, required procedures, and contact information. You’ll also find key information about the clinical trial in the informed consent to help you decide if you want to participate. Typically, a specialist administers or dispenses study medication to participants in clinical trials. 

The study sponsor designs the research protocol to measure the safety and effectiveness of the medication or procedure in the study. The research staff and doctors follow detailed guidelines provided in the research protocol to ensure that the testing and procedures are conducted safely and appropriately. 

Are you a good candidate for any current clinical research studies?

Medical researchers at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center investigate new ways to treat disease while learning more about specific conditions. Our experts are actively enrolling in the following studies:

• Alopecia Areata
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
• Psoriasis/Pediatric Psoriasis+
• Purigo Nodularis (PN)
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Vitiligo

Those who qualify for the study will receive study-related care and investigational medication free of charge. Often, study participants are compensated for their travel time and time spent participating. Participants in clinical trials are paid different amounts depending on the study.

Please call (801) 316-0266 or email Phil at pribeiro@jvderm.com if you or someone you know would like more information about the research or upcoming studies. Describe your skin condition(s) with your name, age, phone number, and skincare needs. Our staff will be in touch with you to help you determine what studies are right for you.