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Want to Make Money From Home While Saving Lives? Participate in Clinical Trials

Have you ever wondered if you could make money from home while doing something truly meaningful? Well, you can! By participating in clinical trials, you can earn extra cash and help improve or even save lives. It’s a win-win.  

But what exactly are clinical trials, and how do they help you make money from home? Let’s dive in and find out. 

How Much Money Can I Make From Home Through Clinical Research?  

Clinical trials are research studies that test new medical or behavioral treatments. They are the main way that researchers figure out if a new drug, diet, or medical device is safe and effective in people. To do this, researchers need volunteers. And to attract volunteers, they often offer money.  

The amount of money clinical trial volunteers can make varies depending on the type of trial, how long it lasts, and what’s involved. For simple trials, like answering surveys or keeping a health diary, you might earn a few hundred dollars. More complex trials that involve taking medication or following a specific diet could pay more, sometimes even thousands of dollars. Some trials offer payment per visit or session, while others provide a lump sum at the end.  

One survey found that the median (or middle) clinical trial compensation is $3,070. The same survey found the lowest payments are around $150, and the highest around $13,000!  

How Do I Do a Clinical Trial From Home?  

Thanks to modern technology, many clinical trials can now be done from the volunteers’ homes. These kinds of studies are called decentralized trials.  

What Are Decentralized Trials? 

In a decentralized trial, all or most of the study activities are done outside of a traditional clinical setting. These trials use technology like smartphones, wearable devices, and apps to collect data from participants remotely. This approach allows for more flexibility and convenience, as you don’t have to visit a clinic or hospital. Researchers can monitor your health and progress through virtual check-ins, online questionnaires, and by collecting data from devices you use at home. 

How Common Are Decentralized Trials? 

Decentralized trials are becoming more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many pharmaceutical companies and research organizations are adopting this model to make it easier for people to participate, regardless of their location. In fact, according to one source, about 90% of clinical trials use decentralized components!  

How Do I Participate in a Decentralized Trial?  

Here’s how you can get started making money from home through clinical research:  

  1. Find a trial: Look for clinical trials online. Websites like ClinicalTrials.gov, Carebox, and Antidote are great sources to get you started, and you can also speak with your doctor.  
  2. Check your eligibility: Each trial has specific criteria for who can participate. These might include age, health condition, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Make sure you fit the requirements before applying. 
  3. Apply online: Once you find a suitable trial, you can usually apply online. This might involve filling out a questionnaire about your health and medical history. 
  4. Get screened: If your application is accepted, you’ll go through a screening process. This might include more detailed questions, interviews, or even remote medical tests like sending in a saliva sample or doing a video consultation with a doctor. 
  5. Participate: If you pass the screening, you can start the trial. This might involve taking medication, following a specific diet, wearing a fitness tracker, or regularly reporting how you feel through an app or online form. 
  6. Get paid: Once the trial is over, you’ll receive your payment. Some trials pay in installments, while others pay a lump sum at the end. 

Make Money From Home While Saving Lives? Yes, Please. 

Participating in clinical trials from home is more than just a way to earn extra money or even learn more about your health; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re taking medication, following a specific diet, or regularly reporting your health status, you’re helping researchers gather the data they need to make life-changing discoveries. 

New treatments and medications developed through clinical trials can offer hope and relief to patients suffering from chronic illnesses and debilitating conditions. By participating, you are part of creating solutions that can reduce pain, help people move better, and help them live longer. Many new medicines and treatments studied in clinical trials save lives! Plus, the discoveries made in clinical trials today will help pave the way for future generations to have access to better treatments and healthcare solutions. 

What’s Next?  

Are you ready to make money from home while saving or improving lives? Learn more about participating in clinical trials now.  

Know someone else who may be interested? You can also help us spread awareness on the importance of research participation.  

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Clinical Trial Story Time: A Friendly Intro for Your Child
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Clinical Trial Story Time: A Friendly Intro for Your Child

If you’ve recently enrolled your child in a clinical trial, you may be wondering how to best prepare them for the experience. This blog aims to help you with that effort. The sections below are designed to be read directly to younger children.  What Is a Clinical Trial? A clinical trial is when scientists, doctors, and people who are sick get together to find out how well a new medicine helps people feel better.  Clinical trials …  Why Should You Be Part of a Clinical Trial? In the world of clinical trials, one of the most special things is called “research as care.” When kids like you have health challenges, clinical research can be a great way to get the very best care in the world that can’t be found anywhere else! The trial team helps you feel comfortable and cared for, and you help them find out more about how well the new medicine works. It’s teamwork that’s meant to help you — and lots of other kids around the world — feel better.  What Will Happen During the Clinical Trial? At the start of the trial, the doctor’s team will talk to you all about what to expect. You will learn about how often you’ll visit them in person, some things you might get to do from home, and you’ll get to know some of the helpers who will be with you along the way. You’ll also learn about the different ways the study team will find out more about the medicine with your help!  Who Can Answer My Questions? You can ask as many questions as you want during the clinical trial. You will have a friendly study buddy who you can always ask any questions you have. And don’t worry! You don’t have to think of all your questions when you meet your helper. Even if you think of a question later, you can ask any time.  Final Note for Parents and Caregivers  Do you or your child have additional questions or concerns about the clinical trial process? Visit our Resources page, talk to your doctor, and consider working with a patient advocate. 

Different Types of Clinical Research and What They Mean for You 
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Different Types of Clinical Research and What They Mean for You 

Without clinical research, there would be no new treatments, no improvements in our understanding of how diseases work, and no new options for prevention. In short, clinical research is essential.  Not all research is the same. There are two broad types: observational and investigational. They each have different goals and work in different ways, but they both rely on people like you to participate and spread the word.   Read on for an overview of observational and investigational clinical research and learn how you can get involved.   Observational Research: Observing Health Patterns  Observational research gathers data and looks for patterns. If participants have a medical condition, they will continue their usual treatment plan during an observational study. Participants in this type of research do not receive new treatments. Instead, researchers observe and record various data, depending on the goal of the study, while the participants keep their general routine the same.   Participation may involve filling out a survey, meeting with a researcher for an interview, or providing a blood or tissue sample.   Types of Observational Studies  Who Can Participate?   Each observational study will have unique requirements based on what the researchers are interested in. In many cases, both healthy volunteers and people with a specific condition are needed.   Since observational research does not require you to take a new medication or change your routine, you can often participate in multiple observational studies at one time.   Why Does Observational Research Matter?  Observational clinical research provides essential information about how diseases work and what risk factors could be. Each new study gives more information, and it takes many studies over a long period of time to clarify possible links between behaviors and diseases.   What does this mean in the real world? For one, it can help people make more informed decisions about their lifestyles to have a better chance of staying healthy. Recommendations like increasing physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking all have their roots in observational research.   Observational studies can also identify factors outside of an individual’s control that increase the chance of developing a certain disease. This gives doctors the information they need to screen for those conditions sooner, potentially improving and saving lives.   Investigating Research: New Treatments  Whereas observational research gathers information about health, investigational research (i.e., clinical trials) puts this information into practice and tests new ways to prevent, diagnose, manage, and cure diseases.   During a clinical trial, researchers monitor participants to ensure safety and track whether the new treatment works correctly. Depending on the trial, participants may go to a specific location (a trial site) to receive treatment, or a health care professional may monitor them while they undergo treatment at home.   Clinical Trial Phases  Clinical trials have four phases, and each serves a specific purpose.   Who Can Participate?   Like observational research, different trials look for various traits among participants. Along with looking for people with the health condition the treatment will target, clinical trials may have other requirements depending on the specific goals.   The phase of the trial also changes who can participate. Phase I trials often involve healthy volunteers, as this gives the opportunity to study safety before involving those whose disease may make them more likely to have negative effects.   Why Does Investigational Research Matter?  Any advancement in medicine that you can think of owes its creation to clinical trials, from the most common over-the-counter medications to innovative treatments for serious conditions. Investigational research is essential to determine what treatments are safe and effective. Clinical trials can also provide options for those who don’t have many other treatment choices, like those with rare diseases.   Ready to Get Involved?   Whether you’re interested in taking part in observational or investigational research, you have the power to make a real difference for the future of medicine. You can ask your doctor about studies or trials that may be right for you, or you can use an online tool like Carebox, Antidote, or ClinicalTrials.gov to start your search.   And if participating directly isn’t the right choice for you now, that’s okay too! You still can do your part by sharing information and staying informed. You never know who in your network could benefit from this knowledge.  

They Gave Me 3 Years to Live. 30 Years Later, Here Are My Tips for Participating in Clinical Trials.
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They Gave Me 3 Years to Live. 30 Years Later, Here Are My Tips for Participating in Clinical Trials.

In 1994, I was a 37-year-old Army major stationed in Michigan with my wife, Cecelia, and our five-year-old daughter, Patrice. Little did I know that learning how to participate in clinical trials would save my life.   One morning before heading to work in January 1995, I went to the doctor’s office to get results from an MRI I had because of persistent back pain, which had been bothering me for six months. The doctor told me I had chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). He gave me three years to live. He then explained that the only potential cure was a bone marrow transplant. But, as an African American, my chances of finding a match were slim. There were — and still are — few people of color on the marrow donor registry. I took it upon myself to change that. I started organizing marrow drives, visiting churches, malls, colleges, and military bases nationwide.  In December 1995, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and continued my efforts.  In April 1996, at a marrow drive in Columbus, Georgia, a local businessman with a different type of leukemia approached me. He shared his leukemia story, explaining how an experimental treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston had saved his life. He urged me to visit MD Anderson, so I did.   I flew to Houston and met a doctor who enrolled me in a few experimental treatments. But by 1998, after three years, they stopped working. I became extremely fatigued, waking up exhausted and in pain every day. Despite organizing and participating in numerous marrow drives, I had not found a matching donor. Time was running out.   As a last resort, I asked my doctor about any other drugs that could help. He mentioned a potential drug that was still in its pre-clinical trial stage. When it was approved for use in humans, I entered the Phase I clinical trial for STI571. I responded exceptionally well. Nine months into the trial, I ran a 26.2-mile marathon in Alaska! Five months later, I cycled 111 miles in Tucson, Arizona, raising funds for leukemia research.   Three years passed, and in May 2001, the FDA approved STI571 as Gleevec. Among the hundreds of thousands of lives Gleevec has saved, I am the longest-living survivor. In the decades since, I got to see my daughter grow up, attend Harvard University and Emory Medical School, and become a doctor. I’ve celebrated birthdays and wedding anniversaries and been there for every special moment, all because of a clinical trial.   The doctors gave me three years to live. It’s been nearly 30 years — and counting.   What Does This Have to Do With You?   Gleevec was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) cancer treatment. Now there are 80, seven approved in the last year. I am humbled and honored every day to not only be alive, but to have helped change the cancer treatment game. Being part of something bigger than myself — the clinical trial — felt so good that I decided to dedicate my life to clinical research education and patient advocacy. Because the more people know about clinical trials and how to find a clinical trial, the more lives will be saved today and in the future.   Maybe by telling you my story, you’ll be inspired to be part of something bigger than yourself, too.   How to Participate in Clinical Trials  Clinical research is different from what it once was. Back when I was in the Gleevec trial, I did everything by myself. I had to find a place to live in Houston where I stayed for three months, and then find my way back to Houston every 90 days for about three years. These days, there are patient advocates, support services, and more, all dedicated to making research participation as easy as possible.   Despite the differences, there are things that hold true. To participate in clinical trials, you need to know the benefits, do your homework, and start your research journey as soon as possible. In addition, you can enter a trial in a later phase and can withdraw from a trial without penalty.  Know the Benefits of Clinical Trials  Clinical research is essential! Every prescribed drug in your medicine cabinet has gone through a clinical trial. Clinical trials provide treatment at least equal to the current standard of care. When you’re a clinical trial patient, you not only access the newest care (often for free), but you also get the chance to contribute to the future of medicine.   This is especially true for patients of color. Many racial and ethnic minorities aren’t well-represented in clinical research, so it’s even more important for us to step up and participate. In fact, new regulations have been introduced in the industry that put requirements on patient diversity. Otherwise, tomorrow’s treatments won’t be as effective for everyone.   Do Your Homework   Your doctor may not offer clinical trials unless you ask. You need to do your own research so you can talk to your providers about trial options.  Luckily, there are an abundance of clinical trial resources out there, from advocacy groups to government websites.   You should research clinical trials even if you’re healthy or happy with your current treatment. First, many trials need healthy volunteers. Second, a clinical trial might not offer you a better outcome or prognosis, but it may help your quality of life or help educate you on your condition.   Start Now   Trials move slowly, but they go fast once they get going. I first heard about clinical research 18 months before the Gleevec trial. If I hadn’t known to ask the doctor in Houston, I would have missed out. Don’t wait. Begin your research, get on lists, and talk to your doctor now.   Turn 3 Years Into 30  My biggest takeaway on how to participate in clinical trials? Leave no stone unturned.   If you’re not trying clinical research, you haven’t tried every option. Perhaps a clinical trial won’t mean the difference between life and death for you, but it might make a difference in your quality of life. It might mean survival for someone else today, tomorrow, or in 30 years.   I invite you to be part of something bigger than yourself by exploring the resources on Clinical Trials For All to learn more about clinical trials or helping us spread awareness. 

I’m About to Start a Clinical Trial. Now What?
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I’m About to Start a Clinical Trial. Now What?

So you’ve enrolled in a clinical trial. Congratulations! You’ve just taken an important step toward contributing to better health outcomes for people all over the world. And for many of you, this may also mean that you are receiving research as care for yourself. This is a big, exciting step and we’re here to help you know what to expect.  Understand Your Trial Phase There are clinical trials for each phase of pharmaceutical or medical device research. Here is a quick breakdown of what the different phases mean to help you understand more about the trial phase you are participating in.  Phase 0: These early exploratory clinical trials test less than 1% of the amount of the drug that will be used in later trial phases. This low-dose trial makes sure the medicine works as expected in the human body before conducting full-dose trials.  Phase I: Trials in this phase are all about safety. This type of trial often seeks healthy volunteers.  Phase II: Now we’re getting into treatment effectiveness trials. If you’re receiving research as a care option, you may be in a Phase II trial.  Phase III: Once a treatment is proved effective, longer-term trials that last several years and involve many more trial volunteers like you take place. This is another trial phase where you may be receiving research as a care option.  Post-market: Once new treatments are approved, ongoing studies may continue to observe the long-term effects of the drug.  Medical device trials: If you are volunteering for a medical device trial, the safety trial phase is called a pilot study, also known as a feasibility study. The effectiveness trial phase is called a pivotal trial. Then once the device is approved, post-market studies continue just as they do for pharmaceuticals.  Informed Consent As a clinical trial volunteer, a research representative will walk you through what is called the “informed consent” process. This is where study staff explain the possible risks and benefits of the trial and everything that is involved in your participation. You will have the opportunity to have any questions answered and confirm that you want to participate after receiving all the information. You can also choose to have a patient advocate support you through this process.  Trial Access The sponsor of your trial will discuss the logistics of trial access with you. Some trials require on-site, in-person visits to participate in the study, while others have some on-site visits and some check-ins that can be conducted from your home or from your existing medical practitioner’s office (called “hybrid trials”). In fact, some clinical trials can be conducted completely remotely with data collected from your home or doctor’s office (called “decentralized or virtual trials”). Your study’s sponsor will explain all the details for your particular trial so you know exactly what to expect.  If travel to the study site is required, your sponsor can answer questions about support with travel financing and logistics.  What Happens When the Trial Is Over? It can take years from the start of a clinical trial to when the study is completed and all data are reviewed and analyzed. Stay in touch with your sponsor contact about study results, realizing that the final results of any study may take quite a long time to be released.  In the meantime, work with your sponsor, patient advocate, and/or your trusted medical team to continue your clinical trial journey.  Want to learn even more about what it’s like to participate in a clinical trial? Be sure to check out our other blogs to discover firsthand stories from patients like you as well as more information about how and why to participate.