7 Open Clinical Trials That Could Pay You Thousands
Under the right circumstances, with the necessary personal attributes, it is possible for you to be paid thousands of dollars to participate in clinical medical trials.
You may be asked to take new medications. You may be tested for allergies. You may be scrutinized by new medical technology.
When the trial is over, you will be the same person you were before the trial began, only with a few more dollars to your name. It is also possible you could receive free treatment for that which ails you.
The Difference Between a Clinical Study and a Clinical Trial
You are more likely to make real money participating in a clinical trial than in a clinical study. That’s because they are two different research structures.
Clinical Studies
A clinical study is an observational process by which people are observed in specific settings, and researchers gather information from volunteers selected according to certain characteristics. Changes in these subjects are recorded over time. Information is gathered through medical exams, tests or questionnaires to determine any effects that occur from selected outside influences.
An example of a clinical study would be to ask a group of volunteers to eat only bananas for three days. Those volunteers would then be asked to report any physical or emotional changes that occurred during those three days, and would likely be asked to give a blood sample. (It is unlikely such a test actually exists, but you never know).
Researchers use the results of clinical studies to determine which clinical trials to put into action.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials, on the other hand, are more interventional. A clinical trial subject is likely to be given a new medical treatment to determine its effectiveness or reveal any harmful side effects. Clinical trials can also be used to detect diseases early, or allow researchers to find a way to prevent an illness from occurring.
Clinical trials involve a more physical presence from the subject. Some require overnight stays in a hospital or clinical setting. Some studies, such as sleep studies, might require momentary discomfort for the subject.
Because of the time commitment and the physical nature of clinical trials, subjects are often paid, and sometimes paid well, to participate.
How to Participate
Once you identify a clinical trial you think you would be willing to participate in, you contact the research group and complete an application. This will include a series of questions about your general health. The number of questions could be high depending on the complexity of the study.
Once you pass the first hurdle, you will be asked to make an in-clinic appearance to further assess your ability to participate. This time might be paid for, although it will be a small amount compared to what you could earn by being approved.
These are The Clinical Trials You Are Looking For
Sponsored by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, clinicaltrials.gov offers a comprehensive list of thousands of trial opportunities and updates them as they expire, renew or initiate.
Pay for participants is determined by a number of factors, including the amount of time required, the number and length of in-person visits, the condition being studied and the burden placed upon the participant.
Here are seven examples of the type of research you can get paid to participate in.
1. Bipolar I study
Potential compensation: $4,250, including travel expenses
CenExel ACMR is currently looking for adult volunteers ages 18-75 to participate in a clinical trial of the causes and risk factors associated with Bipolar I in hopes of uncovering a cure. To see if you have the correct symptoms to qualify, click here.
2. Parkinson’s Disease study
Potential compensation: Up to $16,244
CenExel ACMR is seeking healthy adult volunteers, ages 40 to 85, for a study to determine the best medications to reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. To be considered for this study, click here.
3. A very long-term study for Sub-Sarahan West African males
Potential compensation: $22,500
This Baltimore ParExel study is examining the safety and tolerability of an investigational study drug for a very specific demographic, Sub-Sharan West African men between the ages of 18 and 55. It requires an in-house stay of 44 days and 43 nights, plus six outpatient visits, but the compensation is substantial. For more information, click here.
4. Adolescent Schizophrenia study
Potential compensation: Up to $1,800
CenExel ACMR is looking for volunteers, ages 10-17, for a current adolescent schizophrenia clinical research trial. Patients who quality may receive no-cost schizophrenia therapy, study-related care, and compensation for time and travel. For more information, click here.
5. Adult Schizophrenia study
Potential compensation: Up to $7,850
Another Schizophrenia study from CenExel ACMR in Atlanta, looking into how to get schizophrenics to take their medication on the prescribed schedule, with further research into long-term medications that require less scheduling. For screening information, click here.
6. Unspecified experimental drug study
Potential compensation: $12,750
Parexel in Baltimore is conducting a clinical trial on an experimental drug and need subjects between the ages of 18 and 45. Participants are required to stay in-house for four days and three nights, with eight followup visits required as well. For more information, click this link.
7. Lupus study
Potential compensation: $5,850
Parexcel is seeking healthy males and females from the ages of 18 to 55 to participate in a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of an investigational drug being developed to treat Lupus. The study involves an in-house stay of four days and three nights and eight outpatient visits. To see more details, click here.
Find another kind of trial
Labcorpclinicaltrials.com, cenexelresearch.com and pxlcrs.force.com offer numerous other studies for more specific age groups, as well as potential participants who currently exhibit medical conditions being tested.
Kent McDill is a veteran journalist who has specialized in personal finance topics since 2013. He is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
