Clinical trials are research studies that test a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention in people. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires clinical trials for new therapeutic devices and medications to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical interventions before they are made available to the public. Clinical trials and studies evaluate patient outcomes, provide efficacy data to the FDA, and help inform manufacturers’ development processes.

Clinical trials help assess new diagnostic tools, like blood tests and imaging, to better diagnose diseases. These trials also evaluate new treatments and medications, which is important in cases where a currently approved treatment or medication is not available.

Yes! The Ichor Research Team specializes in identifying national clinical trials and those who could possibly benefit from them, and some of these trials are specifically for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. By partnering with Loretto, Ichor Research will provide opportunities for Loretto residents who qualify to participate in these trials.

Participating in Ichor Research clinical trials comes at no cost to patients. Once an individual qualifies for the opportunity, the organization sponsoring the trial will pay for the cost, which can include medication, procedures, clinicians’ time, and, if necessary, transportation costs.

Every study has unique criteria that determines who can participate in the clinical trial. Your medical history, medications, and current health status are considered when evaluating different study options. Only those who are medically suitable for a clinical trial will be offered the opportunity to enroll in the trial.

To learn more about qualifying, visit https://www.ichorclinic.com/lorettostudies. An Ichor Research representative will contact you to set up a time to discuss trial opportunities.

If you are interested in participating in a study, Ichor Research representatives will guide you through a screening and evaluation process to ensure that the trial is safe and medically appropriate. Only those who meet all of the criteria of the study will have the opportunity to enroll.

No, participation is voluntary. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunity, Loretto case managers and Ichor Clinical representatives can provide information about how to qualify for a clinical trial.

Before you enroll in a trial, an Ichor representative will let you know if it offers compensation for participation. Each trial is different, and if they do provide a stipend that amount is typically fixed and pre-approved by an ethics board.