Participate in Clinical Studies

Learn more about what joining a clinical study could involve.

A doctor speaks to a patient who wants to learn how to participate in clinical trials about his health and medical history.
Former clinical study participants touch hands after participating in a successful research study.

Why People Participate

The reasons why people become involved in clinical studies are as different as the individuals themselves. People considering a clinical study may:

  • Have an illness with no current treatment or wish to learn more about research related to their health condition
  • Are considering an alternative to the standard of care treatment for their illness.
  • Want to help find answers to scientific or medical questions that may add to scientific knowledge.

Only you can decide whether or not to participate in a clinical study. That's why you should take plenty of time to think about the study and ask all the questions you want. If you want to sign up for a clinical study, you may consider talking with your health care provider or doctor to help you in your decision. They may have questions or things to consider that you may not have thought of.

Learn more about things to consider before participating in a clinical study.

Participant Quotes

Note: Testimonials provided by trial participants are personal experiences and do not necessarily represent the views of the trial sponsor. They are not a substitute for medical advice, and the results of the trial may vary based on individual circumstances. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

"I was always willing to try anything that was available to potentially help in finding new treatment options for the disease."

—Matt, Clinical Study Participant

"I decided to enter a clinical trial because I hoped that the research would be of help to future patients."

—Study Participant

"I found an article on the bulletin board at the hospital...and they were eager to talk to people who were interested in potentially getting involved with a study."

—Alfred, Clinical Study Participant

Note: Testimonials provided by trial participants are personal experiences and do not necessarily represent the views of the trial sponsor. They are not a substitute for medical advice, and the results of the trial may vary based on individual circumstances. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Sheena's Story

A clinical study testimonial.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Study 

Step 1
Before you enroll in a study

People who wish to participate in clinical studies or are interested should discuss it with their doctor. This is the best way to learn whether or not an appropriate study may be available, and where it is being conducted.

Potential participants are screened to determine if they may be eligible for a given study. Sometimes screening involves nothing more than a series of questions and answers with the participant’s consent.

If you may be eligible and wish to continue, you will be asked to review and sign an informed consent form. This document explains the study's purpose and what will be asked of you, potential risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant.

Remember that you always have the right to say no.

If you are uncomfortable with what you are being asked to do in the study, or if you simply no longer want to participate, do not feel like you have to participate. You can also speak with your doctor throughout the process with any questions, or if you feel you don’t fully understand something.

Step 2
During the study

The study protocol outlines every aspect of the study, including what study-related treatments or procedures are involved, how often you will visit the study site, how you will be monitored during your participation, and what measures of success the study will be using.

Your responsibilities will be explained to you by your study team.

All studies are different. Some things you might be asked to do include:

  • See your study doctor as scheduled; this can include check-ins, lab work, or other health assessments
  • Take the investigational drug, if the study includes one, as directed, either at a study site or, in some cases, at home
  • Help track your experience with the study medication or intervention, such as participating in assessments or questionnaires, keeping a diary, or using a wearable device; this information can give your study doctor information on its safety and effectiveness and how it makes you feel

Your safety will be monitored closely throughout the study by your study doctor. You should also contact your study doctor as soon as possible if you are hospitalized for any reason. It is advisable to keep the study doctor’s name and number with you at all times in case of emergency.

Step 3
After the study

When the study ends, or if you leave the study early, the study team will typically schedule a follow-up visit or check-in. Depending on the study, there may be a plan to help you return to standard care with your regular doctor.

Amgen is committed to sharing what it has learned from its research. Results from completed studies can be made available in multiple ways including public registries and scientific publications.

A doctor and patient smiling about the impact of a new possible treatment on clinical study participants.

Practical Considerations

Participating in a clinical study is a real commitment, and it helps to think through the practical side before you begin.

  • Costs: If you are considering participation in a clinical study, discuss the potential costs with your study doctor or other study team member. They can tell you exactly what will be covered as part of the clinical study and what will be considered part of your normal healthcare routine, including what may be your responsibility. Remember to ask everything that's on your mind. It's your right.
  • Time and travel: Study visits can range from a single appointment to multiple visits over weeks, months, or even years. They can also vary in where study tasks are completed such as the study site, the hospital, at home, or all of these. Ask the study team upfront how many visits are required, how long each one typically takes, and where the study visits are completed. In most cases, you can be reimbursed for travel costs.

Participating in a clinical study is not without risks. Your study doctor will discuss these potential risks with you. You should carefully weigh them against the possible benefits and ask as many questions as you need to. Keep the following in mind when evaluating risks:

  • Sometimes the risks or side effects may seem no worse than those of your current treatment options. Other times, the side effects may seem greater.
  • You may react differently than another individual when given the same drug. Your study doctor or study team member will ask you many questions to learn as much as possible about your medical history to reduce the potential risks.
  • Risks associated with clinical studies can vary depending on the disease being treated.

If a new risk to participants is found during the clinical study, the participants will be made aware by the study doctor. Under some circumstances, the study may be stopped or placed on hold until more information can be gathered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click on any of the four categories below to learn more about clinical study participation, patient safety and protections, and helpful definitions.

  • Clinical Trial Basics
  • Patient Safety and Security
  • Common Terms
  • Participating in a Clinical Study
Is it safe to participate in a clinical study?

Your safety is monitored throughout and after participating in a clinical study. Rules and regulations are in place to ensure the study is conducted safely and ethically. Study risks are carefully weighed and balanced by your doctor, the study doctor, the national regulatory agency (such as the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] in the US), and an Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Independent Ethics Committee (IEC).

How are patients protected in clinical studies?

Any clinical study will be reviewed before and during patient participation by an independent review board to help protect participants' welfare and rights. Prior to enrolling in a study, you must be informed of what participation includes and of any known risks (this is called “informed consent”). Any unexpected events affecting participants’ health during a study must be reported by the study doctor and the study sponsor. In some cases, a study may not proceed due to known safety concerns.

What are patients’ rights in clinical studies?

Before enrolling in a clinical study, you have the right to be informed about the study, including its purpose, known risks, and potential benefits. Throughout the process, your study doctor and any other members of the study team should explain any tests or study procedures. You will also receive contact information for someone you can reach out to about the clinical research and your rights and safety.

You always have the right to ask questions, refuse to do something you’re not comfortable with, or withdraw from the study at any time. If you do withdraw from the study, this will not affect your access to standard medical care. Your personal health information (PHI) is also protected under law and cannot be used or disclosed without your permission.

What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an independent group that includes medical, scientific, and non-medical representatives. The IRB reviews and approves a clinical study for safety issues and protects the rights and well-being of study participants.

Can a clinical study end early?

A clinical study can be stopped early for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Patient safety – The treatment has caused or might cause unexpected harm
  • Futility – In-progress study data suggests the treatment is unlikely to work as expected

In some cases, a clinical study may end early because in-progress study data suggests the treatment is working so well that withholding that treatment from the control or placebo group (participants who are not receiving the study treatment) could be considered unethical.

Is my personal information kept private?

Personal health information (PHI) is protected under applicable privacy laws. The study team will explain how your information will be collected, used, shared, and protected. It will also be explained in the informed consent form.

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Last updated August 3, 2026.