New Treatments Through Clinical Research

Understanding the Importance and Value of Clinical Drug Research

Treatments are available today for different health conditions because many people volunteered to be part of clinical research studies. Volunteering to be part of a study is one way you can contribute to the understanding of partial onset epilepsy and the potential development of new and improved therapies.

What is a Clinical Drug Research Study?

A clinical drug research study is a scientific evaluation that answers important questions concerning how a medication works and how well subjects tolerate it. Does the medicine work better than medicines that are already available? Do the benefits outweigh the potential side effects? What side effects does the medicine cause? These are just a few of the many questions that are answered by clinical research studies.

Are New Treatments for Management of Partial Onset Epilepsy Needed?

The antiepileptic drugs that were first developed, and are still commonly used, have a wide range of side effects. Newer medications, which have been approved since 1990s, have shown to be better tolerated by subjects. However, about 30% of subjects with epilepsy, especially those with partial onset seizures, are not well controlled on current treatments.

For these reasons it is important to search for new treatments for partial onset epilepsy.

How Can You Help Find New Treatments For Subjects with Partial Onset Epilepsy?

In order for doctors to continue to assess improved treatments for serious conditions, they need people with the condition to volunteer to participate in clinical drug research studies. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with epilepsy, you may be eligible to participate in a study that is currently looking for volunteers.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Participating in a Clinical Study?

Questions You May Want to Ask About The Study

* Why do researchers believe the study treatment may be effective?
* How does the study treatment differ from the standard treatment?
* What kind of tests and evaluations are involved in the study?
* How long will the study last?
* Who will be in charge of my care while I am in the study?
* Will I be allowed to discontinue the study at any time, for any reason?

Possible Benefits of Participating in the Study

* Having close monitoring of care
* Having the opportunity to benefit others and contribute to medical knowledge

Possible Risks of Participating in the Study

* The study treatment may not improve your condition
* You may experience side effects

What is "Informed Consent"?

If you decide that you want to volunteer to participate in a clinical study, the study doctor will review a very detailed document with you called the "Informed Consent". The purpose of the Informed Consent is to make sure that you understand all the study procedures and the potential risks associated with the study procedures or the study. All questions or concerns that you have should be answered to your satisfaction.