The Latest in Clinical Research

Explore this blog to learn how clinical research helps improve lives for millions worldwide, and how you can get involved.

The Remarkable History and Impact of HeLa Cells in Research 

October 2, 2023

The discovery of HeLa cells is a story that is as fascinating as it is controversial. In 1951, a young Black woman named Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Unbeknownst to her, her cancer cells would go on to become one of the most important tools in modern medical research. HeLa cells, as they … Read more

The Latest in Alzheimer’s Research: Advances in Understanding and Potential Treatments

September 20, 2023
Photos of brain scans wit the article title written across the bottom of the image.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?  Alzheimer’s disease is a complex neurological condition that causes cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia, a progressive loss of intellectual functioning, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This progressive brain disorder impacts thinking, memory, and daily functioning, ultimately affecting a person’s quality of … Read more

Doctor Q&A: When is the Right Time to Get Your 2023 Flu Vaccine?

August 18, 2023

We’re fast approaching the 2023 flu season. No one likes being laid-up and feeling the discomfort the flu brings, not to mention missing out on celebrating Thanksgiving and other seasonal events at the end of the year because you are contagious and too sick to travel. We recently sat down with Brandon J. Essink, MD, … Read more

Flu Season 2023: Important Updates for Your Protection

August 1, 2023

Influenza, or the flu, remains a persistent concern as we approach the 2023-2024 flu season. Let’s refresh our knowledge on this viral illness and understand how it might impact us this year.  Understanding Influenza (Flu)  Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, with subtypes A, B, C, and D under its umbrella. In humans, Influenza A … Read more

The Latest in Steatotic Liver Disease and MASH Research: Promising Advances in Treatment

June 6, 2023
The latest in fatty liver disease and NASH research

What are MASH and Steatotic Liver Disease?  Steatotic liver disease (formerly known as fatty liver disease) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver. It can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption (MetALD) or by factors unrelated to alcohol (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD). MASLD (formerly called nonalcoholic fatty … Read more

Clinical Research Careers

May 24, 2023

Clinical research offers a dynamic and fulfilling career path for individuals passionate about advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. As the demand for groundbreaking treatments and therapies continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals in this field. In this article, we will delve into the various roles within clinical research, shed … Read more

Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know About Transmission, Long-Term Effects, and Lyme Disease Vaccines

May 2, 2023
Lyme Disease Vaccine History and Progress. Text over image reads "Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know About Transmission, Long-Term Effects, and Lyme Disease Vaccines"

You may have heard of Lyme disease through headlines about celebrities like Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, and Avril Lavigne, who announced their diagnosis publicly. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause severe symptoms if left untreated. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, and it’s prevalent in many parts of … Read more

Participant Story: Lisa, a Research Study Participant at Velocity

March 8, 2023
Text on image reads "I have worked with one of the doctors working on the study for years. He asked me if I was interested in the study, and I trust him, so I read more about it and eventually signed up." - Lisa, Research Study Participant at Velocity Clinical Research

How did you first hear about Velocity? I have worked with one of the doctors working on the study, Dr. Meyer, for years. He asked me if I was interested in the study, and I trust him, so I read more about it and eventually signed up. Why did you choose to participate in a … Read more

Participant Story: Kristina, Parent of Research Study Participants at Velocity

February 6, 2023
Text on image reads: "It was a win-win for us overall because not only was I able to secure COVID-19 vaccines for my kids, but we also helped get an approved vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. Their participation benefitted the rest of my community, and the world at large." - Kristina, Research Study Participant at Velocity Clinical Research

Have you or your children participated in clinical research before? No, this was mine and my children’s first time participating in clinical research. How did you first hear about Velocity? I believe I heard about Velocity over either a radio or Facebook advertisement, I believe. Why did you choose to participate in a research study? … Read more

Participant Story: Carol, a Research Study Participant at Velocity

January 8, 2023
Text on image reads: "I think everyone should look into joining a clinical trial. Submit your name and contact information, learn the details, and see if it's something you would feel comfortable doing. If you decide against it then, that is ok. At least learn about it first." - Carol, Research Study Participant at Velocity Clinical Research

How did you first hear about Velocity? I’ve heard radio ads for Velocity previously, but for this study, I saw a Facebook advertisement that caught my eye. Why did you choose to participate in a research study? I saw a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial advertised on Facebook. I wanted to help further the research to … Read more

Viral Latency: Long-Term Effects of Common Viruses

December 30, 2022
Viral Latency Long-Term Effects of Common Viruses

You may have seen the term “Long COVID” in headlines over the past year or two. While lingering or delayed effects from a viral infection may seem like a new discovery, evidence suggests that some viruses can lay dormant in a body for years before triggering other symptoms later. What is Viral Latency? When the … Read more

Participant Story: Melissa, a Research Study Participant at Velocity

November 15, 2022
Melissa - research study participant testimonial

How did you first hear about Velocity? I saw a notice hanging in my doctor’s office. My first experience was in a COVID-19 vaccine study. I also participated in two booster vaccine studies, as well. Why did you choose to participate in a research study? COVID-19 was a nightmare and I wanted to participate in … Read more

Participant Story: Maryann, a Research Study Participant at Velocity

November 2, 2022
Maryann - research study participant testimonial

What led you to participate in a research study? I saw a roadside poster near the university in my neighborhood [for a vaccine study] and called Velocity. My first experience was in the Phase 3 trial for [one of the] COVID-19 vaccines. Subsequently, Velocity called me to see if I would participate in the trial … Read more

Flu Season 2022: What You Need to Know

September 23, 2022
Flu Season 2022 What You Need to Know

What is Influenza (Flu)? Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses. “The flu” and “influenza” are generally used as umbrella terms for four subtypes of the influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are the most common in humans, with Influenza A generally being the most … Read more

Does the Smallpox Vaccine Protect Against Monkeypox?

August 16, 2022
Does the Smallpox Vaccine Protect Against Monkeypox

Featuring Commentary by Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Chief Physician Officer at Velocity Monkeypox has made headlines lately as a new outbreak is steadily growing in the United States. In this article we’ll answer common questions about the virus and the vaccine intended to prevent infection with the help of Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Velocity’s Physician … Read more

Participant Story: Dana, a Research Study Participant at Velocity

July 20, 2022
Dana - research study participant testimonial

What led you to participate in a research study? I joined the COVID-19 vaccine trial because of what it was. We needed to bring this vaccine to market right away because it was so devastating and spreading fast.  I was enticed by the opportunity to participate, be part of medical history, and to get it … Read more

Clinical Trial Phases: What Happens in Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4?

July 5, 2022
Clinical Trial Phases What Happens in Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4

Clinical trials are research studies of medications, vaccines, medical devices, procedures, diagnostics (tests), and other health-related products. These studies involve participants (also known as patients, volunteers, or subjects) to determine whether certain experimental products are safer and/or more effective than currently approved products. Without clinical trials, it would be impossible to develop new medicines, cures, … Read more

What is the Role of a Principal Investigator in a Clinical Trial?

May 18, 2022
What is the Role of a Principal Investigator in a Clinical Trial

What is a Principal Investigator? A principal investigator (PI) is the person responsible for overseeing a clinical trial, research grant, or other sponsored research project. In clinical trials, also known as medical studies, principal investigators generally are physicians that carry out the study plan, known as the clinical trial protocol. The principal investigator also analyzes … Read more

The Basics of Respiratory Infections: Differences Among the Cold, Flu, COVID-19, and More

March 21, 2022

What is a Respiratory Infection? Respiratory infections affect the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat, airways, and lungs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, but tend to present similar symptoms, such as a cough, congestion or runny nose, and fatigue. Because the symptoms are so similar among different types of infection, … Read more

The Latest in Eczema Research: New Potential Treatments

January 31, 2022
The Latest in Eczema Research - New Potential Treatments For Eczema

What is Eczema? Atopic dermatitis (AD), better known as eczema, is a condition in which red (or on darker skin tones, sometimes brown or purple), itchy patches of skin flare up on various parts of the body. As a chronic condition, eczema tends to flare periodically, sometimes coupled with asthma and/or hay fever. According to … Read more

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When people like you participate in a clinical trial, we can uncover better ways to treat conditions that may affect you and your loved ones. Sign up for more information about clinical trials near you.

Why participate in a clinical trial?

Science and technology are ready to shape the future of health and care, but it all starts with you — without clinical trial participants, it would not be possible to create new medicines, treatments, and cures.

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It all starts with people like you.

Without clinical trial participants, it would not be possible to create new medicines, treatments, and cures.