What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, medical devices, or treatments on human volunteers. These studies are designed to help determine whether a new intervention is safe, and whether it works better than existing treatments.
Who can participate in clinical trials?
Each clinical trial has its own set of eligibility criteria, which may include factors such as age, gender, health status, and medical history. Non-Japanese volunteers interested in participating in clinical trials in Tokyo, Japan can search our website for available trials and apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
What is the process for participating in a clinical trial?
The process for participating in a clinical trial may vary depending on the specific trial, but typically involves several steps, including screening for eligibility, obtaining informed consent, receiving the intervention or placebo, and undergoing follow-up evaluations. The specific procedures and timelines will be explained to you in detail if you are matched with a clinical trial.
What are the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
Participating in a clinical trial may involve risks, such as potential side effects or adverse reactions to the intervention or placebo. However, there may also be potential benefits, such as access to new treatments or early access to effective treatments that are not yet widely available. The risks and benefits of each trial will be explained to you in detail before you decide whether to participate.
Is participation in a clinical trial voluntary?
Yes, participation in a clinical trial is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw from a trial at any time for any reason, without penalty.
How is my personal information used?
We collect your personal information, including contact information and questionnaire about your current health condition and medical history, to assist in matching you with available clinical trials in Tokyo, Japan. Your information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties except as necessary to match you with clinical trials and as required by law.
How can I apply to participate in a clinical trial?
You can search for available clinical trials on our website and apply online if you meet the eligibility criteria. You will be asked to provide contact information and complete a questionnaire about your current health condition and medical history. We will then use this information to match you with relevant clinical trials.
How can I find more information about a specific clinical trial?
Each clinical trial listed on our website includes a brief description of the study and its eligibility criteria. If you are interested in learning more about a specific trial, you can contact the study team directly using the contact information provided on our website.
Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about a clinical trial?
If you have questions or concerns about a specific clinical trial, you can contact the study team directly using the contact information provided on our website. If you have general questions or concerns about the "Clinical Trials Tokyo" website or our services, you can contact us at the email address provided on our website and we will do our best to assist you.
Are there any costs associated with participating in a clinical trial?
The costs associated with participating in a clinical trial may vary depending on the specific trial. Some trials may cover the costs of the intervention or treatment, while others may not. Before you decide to participate in a clinical trial, the study team will provide you with detailed information about the costs and any financial compensation that may be available.
What happens if I don't pass the screening health check? Will I still receive any compensation?
If you don't pass the health check for screening, you'll still get paid for the screening. But sometimes, you'll only get money to cover travel from the nearest station to the clinic and back.
- This might happen if your BMI isn't in the right range.
- It can also happen if you choose to leave before signing the informed consent document.
- If your answers on the questionnaire make it clear you can't take part, you'll also only get the travel money.
- The same is true if you didn't answer the online questionnaire correctly and that affects whether you can take part.
What actually happens in the screening session?
The screening session is a comprehensive process designed to gather all the necessary information about participants and ensure their suitability for the trial. It consists of several stages:
- Check-In, Questionnaire, and Agreement: During the check-in stage, you'll be registered into the system and your details verified. This will be followed by a questionnaire to understand your health background and lifestyle. Finally, you'll go through an agreement document that will detail the terms and conditions of the trial. This process typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Explanatory Session: In the explanatory session, a video is shown that provides information about the clinical trial and the drug being tested. Following the video, there is a question and answer session where you can ask any questions you may have about the trial. This session is scheduled for approximately 30 minutes.
- Health Check: The health check involves a number of tests and checks. These include measuring your height and weight, conducting an ECG, checking your blood pressure, and performing an X-ray. A doctor will also perform a physical examination and have a brief interview with you. Finally, blood and urine samples will be collected for laboratory tests. This process typically takes around 1 hour.
- Orientation and Payment Session: In the orientation and payment session, you will be given detailed information about what to expect during the trial. Payment details will also be discussed. This process will take approximately 30 minutes.