Clinical trials in the United States

The United States runs more clinical trials than any other country, with tens of thousands of studies recruiting at any given time across academic medical centres, hospitals, community clinics and dedicated research sites. Whatever your condition, there is a reasonable chance that research relevant to you is underway somewhere in the country.

Clinical trials in the United States are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which reviews investigational new drug applications before human studies of new medicines can begin. Every trial must also be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board, an independent committee that protects the rights and welfare of participants.

Trials in the United States cover the full spectrum of research, from first-in-human studies of new molecules through to large phase 3 trials and long-term follow-up studies. Major disease areas include oncology, cardiology, neurology, immunology, mental health and infectious disease, alongside studies for many rare conditions.

Study-related care is generally provided at no cost to participants, and many trials reimburse travel or offer stipends. If you have health insurance, ask the research team what will be billed to insurance and what the study covers, since arrangements vary. The team must explain all of this during informed consent.

Eligibility rules, visit schedules and locations differ between studies, so the practical first step is to search by condition and location, shortlist studies recruiting near you and enquire with the research teams.

As always, involve your own physician in the decision. They can help you understand how a study fits with your current treatment and what questions to ask before you consent.