Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical trial is a research study that tests whether a new medicine is safe and whether it works. Doctors follow a strict plan, and participants are closely monitored the whole time — often more closely than in regular care. Every medicine at your pharmacy exists because people chose to take part in one. Participants are compensated for their time, and all study-related care is free.

Medical advancements rely heavily on clinical trial participation. To safeguard patients and collect accurate data, every study moves through distinct stages: an eligibility review, where our team of physicians conducts an initial assessment to confirm whether a patient meets the study requirements; patient consent, where you review all risks and expectations before officially joining the trial; and treatment, where enrolled individuals visit the clinic for treatments, checkups, and data collection. Every step includes a free, no-obligation in-person screening to verify health metrics before voluntary informed consent.

Every study we run is reviewed and approved by an independent ethics board (IRB) before any patient enrolls. This board — made up of doctors, ethicists, and community members — exists specifically to protect you. Your safety is monitored at every visit throughout the study.

IRB stands for Institutional Review Board. It's an independent committee that reviews all research involving human participants. They check that the study design is ethical, the risks are justified, and patients are treated with respect. No Axis Clinical study begins without IRB approval.

Yes. All clinical research we conduct follows FDA regulations under 21 CFR Parts 50, 56, and 312. That means independent oversight, mandatory safety reporting, and strict protocols for how data is collected and used.

Absolutely. You can withdraw at any time, for any reason, with zero penalty. Your medical care will not be affected by your decision to withdraw. You will never be pressured to continue.

No, never. All study-related care is fully covered at no cost to you, regardless of your insurance status. You will not receive a bill of any kind for study-related visits, tests, or medications.

Participants receive monetary compensation for their time and travel. The amount varies by study. We'll explain the exact payment schedule before you agree to anything.

Typically between 6 and 10 visits (or more) over the course of the study. Each visit lasts 1–3 hours. We work around your schedule and give you advance notice for all appointments.

All visits take place at our Westchester clinic, convenient to the entire Chicagoland area. Travel reimbursement and transportation assistance may be available depending on the study. Call a recruiter at (708) 773-0082 to see what options are available to you based on your location.

We're transparent: some studies include a comparison group where participants receive a standard treatment instead of the new one. We will tell you the exact structure of the study — including any placebo possibility — before you sign anything. You'll never be surprised.

This varies by condition and study. Common procedures include blood draws, physical exams, questionnaires, and medication monitoring. Everything is explained in advance. You can ask as many questions as you need before agreeing.

Yes. Your information is handled under strict HIPAA privacy rules. Your identity is never shared with the study sponsor without your consent. Study data is typically reported in aggregate — not linked to your name.

With your permission, we can share study updates with your primary care physician. This is entirely optional. Many patients find it helpful to have their doctor informed. We leave that choice to you.