Poll: Would you volunteer to be in a drug testing trial?
If you have diabetes, or suffer from migraines or fear you might contract the flu, would you volunteer to take a drug or get a vaccine that’s still in its testing phase? Would you do it if you got paid and were given free medical care during the duration of the trial?
Well, if you’re willing, Radiant Research Inc., which has 25 testing facilities in the United States, has an office in Creve Coeur and often needs volunteers. I got interested in the firm several weeks ago when I heard radio spots and saw print ads looking for Type 2 diabetics. Volunteers, who must be between 18 and 65 years old, can get paid up to $350.
The purpose of the diabetes drug study is to test a new oral medication that controls blood sugar and contributes to weight loss. The medication is in a different class than insulin and has minimal side effects, according to Mary Aubuchon, site director. In addition to receiving a drug that might control their sugar, participants get a free physical examination and lab work during the trial period that lasts 84 days.
Radiant can’t disclose the name of the drug or its manufacturer.
Aubuchon said upcoming trials will test medications for migraines, cold sores, cholesterol and a flu vaccine.
If you’re interested in learning more, I’ll have a story in Thursday’s health section of the Post-Dispatch and you can also contact Radiant at 314-692-2100.
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Gail writes about business, health and wine for the Post-Dispatch. She joined the P-D in 2005 after moving from NYC where she covered federal courts and wrote about food and wine. In her free time, Gail lifts weights, and of course, wine glasses. 
Basically, the question is, are you willing to be a guinea pig? You may develop chronic complications from these tests where you get paid. As long as a person knows the costs and benefits so they can decide for themselves, no problem as long as the taxpayer doesn’t have to pay for any mistakes made.
I am a medical guinea pig. Went through the (continuing) shingles project. Currently in two studies through Washington University Volun teer for Health. One is an adult study for Alzheimer’s Disease as a child whose parents did not have alzheimers. The other is studying the effects of chloroquinine phosphate on high blood pressure. I’m at an age where I don’t expect to sire children so I won’t pass on genetice changes and my health is reasonably good to act as a control.
btw - there are a couple of opinion research groups paying for up to two hours of your time on various subjects. I keep getting turned down because my category fills up too quickly. One is hatch the other is focal pointe.
Superior Surveys also does a lot of health issue research. You get paid for opinions but don’t have to take drugs. 314-692-2699