Professional inquiries
The CRU provides research support and assistance to investigators of all experience levels, whether the study is investigator-originated, is part of a national protocol or is an industry-sponsored research project.
CRU staff are experts in clinical practice and have experience in industry-sponsored Phase I, II, III, and IV clinical trials. Our 20-year history includes conducting trials to evaluate vaccines and infant formulas and assisting with projects in pediatric subspecialties including:
- allergy
- neurology
- nephrology
- otolaryngology
- endocrinology
- gastroenterology
- genetics
- infectious diseases
- pulmonary
- sickle cell disease
- cardiology
The CRU provides assistance to faculty and staff during study setup, enrollment and data collection.
Potential participants
Children receive attentive, expert care from outstanding medical practitioners when enrolled in clinical studies offered by the CRU. Support and participation from parents allows doctors to gain important information to better protect all children from disease. In addition to pediatric clinical trials, our institution offers adult studies that provide the same caring attention.
Each clinical trial is different, but in all cases, the health of the patient is of the utmost importance. Clinical research experts carefully analyze information collected about study subjects. The results enable investigators and drug and medical equipment manufacturers to produce more effective medicine and treatments for childhood and adult illnesses.
Study subjects receive investigational treatments and medical care under close supervision by physicians and other research professionals. Industry-sponsored trials are developed by respected pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and they are reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
When volunteers participate in a study, their health is carefully monitored throughout the trial. It is important that subjects and pediatric subjects' parents:
- Follow all instructions from the study staff.
- Take or administer all prescribed medicines.
- Keep all scheduled appointments.
- Report any symptoms the subject may experience, no matter how small they may seem.
The safety and privacy of our subjects are our top priorities. Medical records always remain confidential and trial results provided to the pharmaceutical company never include names of subjects or their families.
Collected data contributes to medical knowledge
After each study, information obtained from subjects is analyzed to determine if the investigational treatment is working. Results are also analyzed to verify that the treatment is safe and to note any side effects. The FDA closely reviews these results before approving any new drug for general use. Even after approval, companies continue to study drugs and compare them to other treatments for effectiveness and safety. Involvement as a study volunteer is extremely important in bringing knowledge to the medical community and benefits to people worldwide.
Supported by trusted experts
Faculty, staff and pediatricians from CHKD and throughout the region are closely involved in our research. Over 70 local pediatricians participate in our trials. These doctors appreciate the value of clinical studies and know how important the results are for all children. The CRU conducts 20 to 30 clinical trials at any time. Children of all ages can participate and several adult studies are available. Whether you participate in one or several of our trials, we thank you for your involvement.
Current clinical trials
You are invited to enroll your child in any of our research studies at no cost to you. To learn more about current trials underway and how to participate, or to simply find out more about clinical trial research, please contact the CRU by phone at 757.668.6416.
