Thursday, January 14, 2010

Participation in Clinical Trials Can Be Win-Win

Clinical trials are not for everyone, of course. The process is invaluable, though, to drug and device manufacturers, to scientists and researchers, and often to individuals who feel trapped in their physical or emotional condition. Clinical trials are conducted within a host of rules and guidelines making them a safe way to collect much needed data. Individuals with chronic conditions or whose condition is without currently available treatment options often apply to participate with hopes there will be some new information that will change their situations.

Two recent trials are forming and are in search of participants, according to a report from the
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services yesterday, January 13, 2010. One trial focuses on fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic and widespread pain throughout the body. It brings with it such a wide range of symptoms that individuals are often not diagnosed properly or for years. While some treatment advances have been made, the disease can be debilitating. The research site is in DeLand, FL. Visit Clinical Connection online for more information.

The other trial forming is looking for participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. The research site is in Menlo Park, CA. Contact Clinical Connection for more details.

Clinical Connection provides information and resources about clinical trials. Additionally, they offer a notification service, a message board, and links to relevant health sites. Other sites with information about clinical trials include Clinicaltrials.gov and National Cancer Institute.

Read more about fibromyalgia. If you have fibromyalgia, TBI or are recovering from stroke, post your comments about treatments and suggestions for others. If you have participated in a clinical trial, please share your experience here.

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