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Information for you as a volunteer

The most important part of a clinical trial is the people who volunteer to participate. And, from start to finish, the safety and well-being of clinical trial participants is a top priority.

Before you begin

A clinical trial can only start after researchers determine that the study is scientifically justified and approval is granted by local ethics committees and health authorities.

Before you officially enroll, the research team will go over the details of the study, including how long it will last, and what procedures you will encounter. Agreeing to participate after this thorough explanation is called agreement to take part, and it’s a key step in the process of getting you started.

During the trial

During the trial, you’ll meet members of the research team, who will be available to you from start to finish. This team includes the investigator, another name for the doctor or scientist in charge of the entire trial. You will also have a lot of interaction with physicians and nurses who are there to guide you through the process.

After your experience

Once you complete a clinical trial, you should feel a sense of pride knowing that you played a big role in the advancement of a medical treatment. At the end of the trial, the trial team will examine the results, and you will have an opportunity to see what the doctors discovered. The results will also be published for the public to review, because this is a part of Novo Nordisk’s commitment to transparency.

Before your child or teenager is enrolled in a clinical study

A clinical study in children/teenagers can only start after researchers have determined that the study can be justified, and approval is granted by local ethics committees and health authorities.

Participating in a clinical study is a very personal decision for every family. Before your child or you as a teenager is enrolled in a study, the study staff will explain the details of the study to both you and your parents. The information will among other include the treatment to be given, the procedures to be done and how long the study will last.

Agreeing to participate after this thorough explanation is called agreement to take part and depending on the child’s age, both the child and the parents will need to sign an agreement to take part, before the child can start in the study.

During the study

During the study, you and your parents will meet members of the study team, who will be available to you from start to finish. This team includes study doctors and nurses, who will perform some of the procedures and support you and your family throughout the study.

When the child/teenager has finished the study

Every child/teenager and their parents, who complete a study should feel a sense of pride as you have played a big role in potentially getting new medication available for other children.

At the end of the study, the researchers will look at the results of the information collected. You and your parents will get an opportunity to see what was discovered in the study. The results of the study will also be made available for the public to review, as Novo Nordisk has a commitment to show the results of all the studies we conduct.

When you have finished the study, the study doctor will ensure that you are offered the best possible treatment.

"I have learned more about my disease from my 16 weeks of trial participation than I have during the past 26 years as a patient"

- Louise, 45 years old. Type 1 diabetes.

Participant experience

“It was a relationship you don’t get with most doctors – I felt confident every time I came”

- Francisco Uriza, Mexico.

Did you know?

Participant experience

Clinical trials are an irreplaceable step in the process to develop new medicines.

Participant experience

The results of all completed Novo Nordisk clinical trials are published.

Participant experience

Participants in a trial may be eligible for compensation or reimbursements.

Participant experience

You are welcome to join a clinical trial without a referral from your doctor.

Questions or concerns

Do you have any question about what it’s like being a clinical volunteer? Have a look at our answers to frequently asked questions.

    

This site contains information about clinical trials sponsored by Novo Nordisk. It is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional and should not be construed as providing advice or making a recommendation. The information on this site should not be relied on as the basis for any decision or action. Only a physician can determine whether a specific product is correct for a particular patient. If you have questions regarding any information contained on this site you should consult a physician.

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Tel: (011) 202 0500 Fax: (011) 807 7989. www.novonordisk.comCOMPONENT-046455 March 2024