Clinical Trials Offer a New Health Care Option for Those in Need
Alyssa Greiner emphasizes that clinical trials provide a vital health care option for patients seeking new treatments, particularly for those with limited or no FDA-approved options.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on February 24, 2025
3 min read
For patients seeking new or additional treatment options, clinical trials can offer a lifeline, especially for those with common or rare diseases that currently lack U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments.
In an interview with The Educated Patient, Alyssa Greiner, a spokesperson at Clinical Trials For All, explains that with less than 13% of 22,000 diseases worldwide having an approved treatment, clinical research plays a crucial role in expanding the availability of effective therapies.
Beyond advancing medicine, clinical trials can also serve as a low-cost or free health care option, particularly for the 26 million uninsured Americans. Many sponsors cover the cost of drugs and treatments during the study, making participation financially feasible for those struggling with health care access. Some trials even offer financial compensation, with a U.S. median of $3,000 per study, though Greiner says amounts vary by sponsor and study design.
Women remain underrepresented in clinical trials, despite making up 50% of the global population and 80% of health care decision makers. Without adequate female participation, treatments risk being less effective for women due to differences in biological responses.
To make participation more accessible, many clinical trials now incorporate decentralized components, allowing patients to participate remotely from home rather than traveling to a clinical site. Additionally, more local doctors are choosing to incorporate research into their practices, making it easier for patients to enroll in trials with providers they trust.
While some fear clinical trials due to safety concerns, trials are highly regulated by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), and agencies like the FDA, ensuring that patient safety and well-being remain the top priority. Greiner encourages patients to carefully review their informed consent documents and ask questions before enrolling to make sure they understand the potential risks and benefits.
For those facing limited treatment options, clinical trials offer hope, access and the possibility of improved health outcomes — all while contributing to the advancement of medicine for future patients.
