As a leading force for groundbreaking research into gastrointestinal conditions and diseases, GI Alliance proudly performs clinical research studies to help patients afflicted with gastrointestinal conditions lead healthier lives now and in the future. Gastroenterology clinical trials allow our expert gastroenterologists to study the effects of new and modified treatment options, ensuring they are safe and effective for patients of all backgrounds. Participation in these GI research trials may be of significant benefit to patients who have not responded to existing treatments or patients who would like to help advance the field of gastroenterology research.
These important clinical studies are essential to learning how to successfully combat many distressing GI conditions, diseases, and cancers. If you are interested in making a difference for yourself and other patients with GI conditions, then you may be a candidate for clinical research trials. To locate a gastrointestinal specialist who is participating in GI clinical trials, contact a GI Alliance office near you.
What is a clinical trial?
After an experimental treatment, drug, or medical device has been tested in the laboratory and studied in animals to learn how safe and successful it could potentially be in humans, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may approve clinical research on human subjects. These clinical studies are performed on a wide variety of patients in order to determine if the new treatment option can be approved for general use. The GI research trials performed by GI Alliance could potentially be testing the effects of new, experimental medications, medical devices, diets, or behavioral interventions. Clinical research studies allow medical professionals to identify a treatment’s ideal dosage, potential side effects, and whether or not the treatment is more effective than current treatments approved by the FDA and on the general market.
Who is a candidate for a GI clinical study?
Candidates for GI clinical studies may have a treatment-resistant gastrointestinal disorder or condition. Participating in a GI research trial allows these patients to access brand-new treatment options that are not yet available to the public. Occasionally, gastroenterology research may need to include patient subjects who are healthy. A healthy patient may desire to participate in clinical studies in order to help find ways to treat or prevent a disease that may run in their family. It is vital that GI Alliance’s clinical trials contain patients of all races, ages, and sexes in order to collect data that has a wide range of applicability.
How do clinical trials work?
If you are interested in participating in GI research trials, first locate a GI Alliance gastroenterologist in your community. If a study is being performed, the staff will explain the details of the trial and what they are looking for in their subjects. In order to ensure you qualify for the clinical research, the study staff will thoroughly screen you. If accepted, you will likely be asked to sign an informed consent form and be evaluated at an initial “baseline” visit. Throughout the course of the trial, you would return to the research facility regularly to undergo tests or evaluations depending on what the trial is analyzing. You should always report any concerns to the research staff.
Learn more about GI clinical trials
As the nation’s largest physician-led network of gastroenterologists, GI Alliance aims to pioneer the latest in innovative gastrointestinal research. Patients who have not seen success with conventional treatments, or for whom no current treatment options exist, may be interested in trying a clinical trial. If you or someone you love has a gastrointestinal condition and would like to learn more about accessing new and emerging treatment options, contact your local GI Alliance office and participate in gastroenterology clinical trials.
