Clinical Research Studies Gain Popularity Among Uninsured, Unemployed

Study Participants Can Earn More Than $1,000

POSTED: Thursday, May 7, 2009

UPDATED: 12:57 pm EDT May 7, 2009

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich -- Michael Derrico says a Quest Research Institute commercial changed his life. The commercial advertised a medical research study seeking participants suffering from shingles pain after a shingles outbreak. Shingles is a virus which causes a skin rash and extreme nerve pain.

“I woke up one morning and I couldn't even move … every inch of my body was hurting,” Derrico said. Derrico discovered he has shingles about two years ago. But, because Derrico, 44, doesn’t have a job or insurance, he wasn’t getting proper treatment.

So, Derrico decided to join the medical research study. “Normally I won't be able to get up in the morning and walk or lift or do anything but now since I've been taking this medication, I have no pain whatsoever,” Derrico said.

Derrico doesn’t know if he’s receiving the actual medication or just a placebo. But, he’s said he’s just happy to be feeling better.

During the study physicians and registered nurses provide medical check-ups and other care. The participants come to Quest Research Institute’s Bingham Farms office for the routine check-ups.

“If it wasn't for Quest Research, honestly, I don't know where I would've gotten help from. You know, no Medicare or anything nor source of income, so how was I going to pay for this, and they provide everything for me,” Derrico said.

Quest Research Institute pays participants like Derrico for time and travel. Quest Executive Director Dolly Niles said subjects can receive up to $2,000 for one study but the amount varies by study.

Niles said she understands there are skeptics about study dangers but she hopes participants see the studies as their opportunity to help other people who may be suffering. “Our research studies typically are for medications what have already been tested in earlier phase studies,” Niles said.

Before participants are enrolled, they undergo an intense pre-screening process and they complete paperwork that outlines potential risks with the studies.

Anyone interested in participating in a medical study can call Quest Research Institute at 248-644-7770 or log onto Quest’s Web site.

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