Clinical trials are increasingly becoming a practical healthcare option for millions of people across the U.S. From obesity and diabetes to women’s health, respiratory issues, and vaccines, thousands of studies run every year. Clinical research offers access to investigative medicines and study-related care, such as regular check-ins, and, in many cases, reimbursement for your time and travel.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests new medications, medical devices, or treatment protocols. Every drug you’ve ever taken, from antibiotics to COVID-19 vaccines, went through a clinical trial before it was approved for widespread use.
Trials run in phases. Early-phase studies focus on safety and dosage, while later stages test whether the new medicine or device is helpful in larger groups. Some trials need people with specific conditions, while others, like vaccine studies, look for healthy volunteers.
Taking part usually means you’ll receive the study medication, attend a series of appointments, and complete short questionnaires or assessments. In return, many studies provide reimbursement for time or travel, especially if you need to travel to a clinic or take time off work.
Why do people join clinical trials?
People are motivated to participate in clinical trials for various reasons. Some seek care for a specific condition, some want access to study-related care, while others want to contribute to medical advancements or are motivated by potential reimbursement.
A study conducted by Velocity Clinical Research earlier this year found that, in the US, those aged under 24 are more likely to be motivated by paid clinical trials, while those over 35 say they are primarily motivated by a desire to contribute to scientific discovery.
If you’re considering participating in a paid clinical trial, understanding these motivations can help you to decide whether taking part aligns with your personal goals and is the right choice for you.
What kinds of trials are available?
There are clinical research studies across almost every condition you can think of, but the most common are those that commonly affect a wide range of people. If you’re looking for clinical studies near you, keep an eye out for trials in these therapeutic areas:
Obesity clinical trials
With the demand for weight loss medication growing fast, U.S. researchers are running more obesity trials than ever before, particularly for GLP-1 medications like semaglutide.
Diabetes clinical trials
The World Health Organisation estimates that over 800 million people around the world suffer from diabetes, which makes it a popular target for new drugs. Diabetes trials typically focus on improving blood sugar control, preventing complications, or testing investigative delivery systems (like oral GLP-1s or smart insulin pens) or monitoring devices.
Respiratory clinical trials
Respiratory diseases are becoming more prevalent, which leads to an increase in clinical trials for asthma and conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). People with common respiratory conditions may be eligible for studies testing new inhalers, treatments, or monitoring tools.
Women’s health clinical trials
From endometriosis to menopause-related symptoms, studies into Women’s Health help develop a better understanding of the conditions that disproportionately impact women and research potential new therapies for them.
Vaccine clinical trials
Healthy participants play a crucial role in vaccine research. These studies are critical in developing and refining vaccines for conditions such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
Do I need a referral to take part in clinical trials?
Participating in clinical trials does not require a physician or specialist referral. As a starting point, potential participants will be asked to complete a quick online contact or prescreening form to check eligibility. If you qualify, clinic staff will then follow up with more detailed information.
There’s no obligation to continue in a trial, and potential participants are encouraged to ask questions and take the time to decide whether joining a trial feels like the right choice for them.
Are trials safe?
Safety and ethics are top priorities for clinical trials. Regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rigorously oversee trials. All studies go through ethical reviews to ensure participant safety, transparent communication, and medical integrity. Participation is always voluntary, and you can leave the trial at any time.
Where are trials happening?
Velocity operates dedicated research centers across the U.S., with staff trained to support participants from all walks of life. Our studies run year-round, and we’re always recruiting for different types of research. You can use your zip-code to search for studies near you, and if we don’t have a suitable trial now, you can opt in to hear when new research studies will launch in your area.
Why choose Velocity?
As the largest integrated clinical trials network, Velocity Clinical Research has helped tens of thousands of participants access study-related care through safe, supportive research environments. When you take part in a study with Velocity, you’re not just joining a trial; you’re joining a network designed around participants. That means clear communication, flexible scheduling, and healthcare professionals who take the time to listen to you.
Clinical research is for everyone
If you’ve ever wondered how to take part in a clinical trial or how clinical trial reimbursement works, now’s the time to explore your options. Check your eligibility today.
