Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?

Participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary. Enrollment is generally most possible at the time of a pet's initial diagnosis, before the start of treatment. The decision to participate should be made in close consultation with your veterinarian.

Informed Consent – The study investigator will provide study trial participants with all information about the study and its possible effects. The dialog regarding your participation in a trial and your acceptance to enroll your pet, is known as informed consent.

Risks and Benefits – Some studies such as Phase 1 Clinical Trials may carry significant risks and for this reason, may be offered only to a small group of patients who have exhausted current standard treatment options. In other studies such as Phase III Clinical Trials, potential treatments have already been found to be safe and effective, and the clinical trial is conducted to compare efficacy against standard therapy for a particular disease.

Potential Funding – Some clinical trials have independent funding intended to reduce or eliminate the costs of medical procedures, tests, and medications for enrolled patients. Your doctor will discuss these opportunities with you.