If you suffer from eczema and are struggling to find an effective treatment option, enrolling in a clinical trial is one potential way to find relief. Many people volunteer for clinical trials to access cutting-edge treatments, put some extra cash in their pockets or help others who may be suffering from similar medical conditions.
In addition to receiving free medical care, most studies compensate participants for their time. This added benefit can help if you need the extra cash, and because these studies often cover travel costs as well, you may be able to use volunteering for a study as a way to visit a place you’ve never been to before. If this sounds good to you, then read on. This guide reviews the clinical trials currently being conducted and how you can qualify to participate.
The Benefits of Clinical Trials
The FDA requires data from clinical trials before approving medications for widespread use. While study participants aren’t guaranteed a cure, they do receive medications and exams for free regardless of whether they have medical insurance. If you’ve tried other treatments in the past that haven’t helped your condition, you can help pharmaceutical companies create more effective medical treatments by volunteering.
Many clinical trials are available for new medications, but there’s a limited number of participants who can qualify for each study. Right now, four clinical trials are seeking qualified applicants, including the Wake Research, Alta Sciences, Clinical Research LA, and CenExcel Act studies. The requirements to qualify for each study may vary a bit, so if you don’t qualify for one, another one may accept you. It doesn’t hurt to apply for more than one if you’re hoping to volunteer for one of these studies.
1. Wake Research
To participate in the Wake Research study, you must first be diagnosed with eczema and attempt to treat it with one or more medications for at least a year. Candidates between the ages of 18 and 65 who’ve seen no positive results with previous medications receive study-related medical exams and medications at no cost. They’re also compensated up to $2,650 for time and travel expenses.
To qualify, your eczema must be diagnosed as severe atopic dermatitis. Once you’ve submitted your information, Wake Research will reach out to schedule an office consultation if you qualify for the study. Wake Research has clinics in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Fill out the contact form to learn more and volunteer for the study.
2. Alta Sciences
Alta Sciences performs studies on existing medications to formulate generic versions but also tests medications that haven’t yet reached the market. It’s currently looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50 who’ve been diagnosed with eczema to participate in a new study. If you’re accepted as a participant, the study requires two overnight stays at a clinic for observation.
People who complete the study will be compensated up to $1,580 for their time and receive medication to treat their eczema. Alta Sciences also offers volunteers to participate in multiple studies and has eight clinics across North America. It allows volunteers to participate from the United States and Canada.
Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock3. Clinical Research LA
Clinical Research LA is conducting an FDA-licensed study on numerous skin conditions, including eczema. There are no special age or residency requirements to qualify, but you need to meet certain physical guidelines. As part of the vetting process, you receive a free physical examination and don’t need to pay for it even if you’re not selected to participate.
It provides your health exams, X-rays, lab reports, and medicines for free throughout the study. A central ethics committee oversees the Clinical Research LA study to ensure that the study is conducted in a transparent and safe manner. As a volunteer, you’ll earn up to $2,500 for completing the study. For more information, you can fill out the contact form.
4. CenExel ACT
CenExel ACT maintains a state-of-the-art research facility in California that meets stringent quality and sanitation requirements. The medications that CenExel ACT trials are FDA-approved for clinical trials. It’s currently looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 and 65 who have chronic atopic dermatitis or whose eczema is resistant to other forms of treatment. Volunteers can receive free medical examinations, testing, and medication for study participation.
Board-certified doctors at the head of their fields will lead the study. CenExel ACT goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of each participant by taking extra precautions and carefully screening volunteers. If you complete this study, you can receive compensation for time and travel up to $3,100. For more information, fill out the contact form.
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