Have you considered a psoriasis research study for an FDA-approved treatment?

One of the most frustrating issues for Psoriasis Cure Now is people suffering with psoriasis who cannot afford treatments that might help them. We have published psoriasis treatment strategies for the uninsured, but one that does not receive enough attention is the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, with a twist. Some people do not want to participate in clinical trials because they do not like the idea of being a “human guinea pig.” They don’t want to be one of the first people to test an experimental treatment. Fair enough–clinical trials are not for everyone.

BUT HOW ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN A TEST OF A TREATMENT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN GOVERNMENT-APPROVED? Even treatments that are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are frequently tested further in clinical trials under close medical supervision. Such trials offer many benefits for potential participants, generally including:

* Free medicines throughout the trial, which typically might last anywhere from 12 weeks to several years.
* Free, close medical attention, often including lab tests.
* A chance to take a proven treatment that is undergoing further testing.
* A chance to help advance scientific knowledge about psoriasis and its treatment.

Below, we have posted from the best source of clinical trials, the US government-funded ClinicalTrials.gov, clickable maps that contain listings of CURRENTLY RECRUITING trials of psoriasis treatments that are already FDA-approved. Just click on a U.S. state or other country and review the trials available closest to you.

Of course, it is important to remember that just because a treatment is FDA-approved does not mean it is without risk. In fact, in 2009, an FDA-approved psoriasis treatment called Raptiva was pulled from the market after a few people died while taking it. (It is no longer available.) If you apply for and are invited to participate in a clinical trial, you should carefully review with your physician the potential risks of participating. You can also learn more about the risks and benefits of specific psoriasis treatments here.

But the potential for free meds and extra health screenings makes this an option many of us should consider.

CLICK ON YOUR STATE BELOW:

OR CLICK ON YOUR COUNTRY OR REGION BELOW:

A final note: many physicians who participate in clinical trials are reportedly paid on a per patient participating basis. In other words, the more patients they recruit for the trial, the more they are paid by the pharmaceutical company. That creates a conflict of interest, and likely will be disclosed in the “informed consent” document you will be required to sign before participating in a trial. It’s further reason to do some homework on your own and be sure you are comfortable with the likely risks and benefits of participating in the clinical trial.

Good luck if you decide to participate in one of these trials and let us know how it goes! (If you are looking for additional options, read about clinical trials of experimental treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.