The IRB, which is composed of physicians, scientists and lay people, helps determine that the study poses no unnecessary risks to the volunteer. People participate in clinical trials for many reasons. Volunteers can gain access to promising drugs and medical devices long before they are approved for the marketplace. Also, in drug trials, the product is typically supplied to the volunteer at no charge. And, as stated above, there is usually no charge for study-related exams, tests and procedures.
Some people volunteer because they enjoy being at the forefront of new technologies.
Others participate for humanitarian reasons - helping to gather information on diseases, drugs and medical devices that could potentially impact the lives of millions of people. Each person must decide if enrolling in a clinical study is right for him or her. The sponsor hires physicians to conduct clinical trials who are usually paid on a per-patient basis. The sponsor pays the physician to gather information about the drug or device by performing study-related exams, tests and procedures. All tests, procedures and exams that are being done just for the trial and are not part of normal treatment, are paid for by the sponsor.