Why volunteer for clinical trials?

When taking any form of medication have you ever wondered how it is developed and tested? This information is needed to help obtain the correct dosage, the safety of the drugs, and how long a drug may remain in the body. New treatments are continually being developed for the treatment of disease. However, it is a complex process with many stages of development before a new medicine can be used to treat patients.

A promising new drug must be extensively investigated before it is thought to be safe to be given to humans. It is then tested in healthy volunteers so that certain properties of the drug can be determined. During any drug trial volunteers safety and good clinical practice are our primary concern. Volunteers are seen by one of our medical doctors to check they are suitable for the trial and the research trial will have full approval from an Independent Research Ethics committee. Healthy volunteers and patients play an essential part in the development of new drugs, treatments, assessing products and helping to test new and existing medicines to combat disease.

Why choose Chiltern?

Chiltern has over 20 years experience in clinical research, testing medicines and new products for the pharmaceutical industry. We have offices worldwide, and our clinical research unit is conveniently placed just west of London, in Slough, Berkshire with easy access to motorways (M4, M25 M40) and London, Paddington (Main Line Station). We pride ourselves on our friendly professional approach, wealth of knowledge and our experienced recruitment team to answer all your questions/concerns.

Currently, Chiltern has over 4000 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 85 on our panel of volunteers. The safety and comfort of our volunteers is very important to us, whilst on a study you are free to relax in the lounge where you can watch TV / DVD, Sky TV, 'surf the net', play pool. We have an on-site housekeeper to assist with meals. If you have been one of our volunteers before you will be aware that they are not your average hospital meals!

What happens and what is required?

A medical examination is required to check that you are suitable and in good health before entering a trial. This might include a blood and urine sample, height, weight, an ECG to monitor heart and blood pressure. You will also be tested for recreational drugs. This is an additional safety measure to detect any illegal drug substance, which may react with the medicines on trial. A full explanation of the study will be given by one of the doctors and you will be asked to sign a consent form indicating that you fully understand the nature of the trial and are willing to take part. You are free to withdraw from a trial at any time without detriment to your medical care; you will be paid (pro-rated) for the time you have spent with us.

Is it safe to volunteer?

The trials are conducted under strict medical supervision in our Clinical Research Unit. An Independent Ethical Research Committee reviews each trial to ensure that the highest possible safety standards are maintained to protect the rights, safety and well being of our volunteers.

The qualified staff include: full-time medical doctors, experienced registered nurses and technicians, recruitment team and administrative staff.