More often than not, new medications arrive quietly into our lives. We may only notice them when a loved one benefits directly, such as a parent experiencing an improved quality of life or a grandparent suddenly able to manage their pain more effectively.
Each of these quiet successes represents a leap forward, and behind each of them is someone like you. Normal people who volunteer to participate in clinical trials and, in doing so, help to make a real difference.
Every clinical trial participant plays a critical role in turning scientific concepts into investigational medicines. This collective effort doesn’t just impact individual lives; it creates opportunities for entire communities by supporting medical progress.
Understanding the drug approval process
Every medication approved for public use undergoes years of testing and evaluation, a process that has four key phases:
- Phase 1 assesses safety and correct dosing with a small group of volunteers.
- Phase 2 explores effectiveness and continues safety assessments in larger groups.
- Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment against existing therapies in large, diverse groups of patients.
- Phase 4 (post-approval) continues monitoring to ensure long-term safety and effectiveness.
This approval process is designed to ensure public safety and that new medicines meet strict standards before they reach pharmacy shelves. By volunteering for clinical research, participants become central to this process, directly shaping the future of medical care.
“Every participant is part of the reason new medicines reach approval. Without them, medical progress would stall.” Dr. Sarah Smiley, Chief Physician Officer
Clinical trial success stories
We’re living in an exciting time, and a diagnosis of a serious condition does not always carry the same outlook it once did. In the last few years, we’ve seen amazing leaps forward in the treatment of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, with the development of medications like donanemab and lecanemab, which can slow progression and buy people more meaningful time with those they love. The approval of these medicines is directly attributable to the individuals who participated in clinical trials, including participants at Velocity sites across the U.S.
Cancer research has also seen significant strides thanks to trial participants. Immunotherapy drugs, once considered highly experimental, are now available for certain cancers because people volunteered to test these investigational treatments. These stories highlight the impact that participating in clinical trials can have not just at a personal level, but for millions of others around the world as well.
The development of the COVID-19 vaccine is a fantastic example of this, with the fast development of an effective vaccine only made possible by the volunteers who helped to test it. These successful research trials involved healthy volunteers, and their contributions helped save lives and lift lockdowns faster.
Beyond these well-known examples, progress continues across chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness. In 2024 alone, the FDA approved 50 new therapies, all of which were made possible by thousands of clinical trial participants.
Real-world examples
Behind every approval and headline breakthrough are participants who bring clinical research to life. Some join trials because they are managing a chronic condition, others because they want to contribute to science. Many cite the reassurance of regular, study-related check-ins with healthcare professionals as an unexpected benefit of participation.
Finding clinical trials near you
Velocity Clinical Research is one of the world’s largest clinical trials networks. We have over 80 sites globally and a research staff that has contributed to more than 35,000 studies.
Our clinical trial centers across the US are designed to ensure the comfort and safety of every participant. With over 200 principal investigators and specialist staff, participants can expect attentive study-related care, transparent communication, and support at every stage.
In addition to medical oversight, many trials also provide reimbursement for time and travel, helping reduce barriers for people who wish to take part. Participation is always voluntary, and individuals are free to leave a study at any time.
Want to make a difference?
By joining a clinical trial, you could be one of them, directly contributing to medical advances that may help you, your loved ones, and future generations.
“Every breakthrough in medicine starts with volunteers. As investigators, we make sure each study is conducted safely and responsibly, but it’s our participants who make discovery possible. By joining a trial, you’re not only helping us answer vital scientific questions, you’re shaping the future of care for countless others.” Dr. Sarah Smiley, Chief Physician Officer
Ready to discover if there’s a clinical trial that might be right for you? Check your eligibility and make a difference.
