About clinical trials

New treatments. Life-saving vaccines. Innovative devices. Infant formula. Wearable tech… The future of medicine relies on participants like you.

Clinical trials show whether medicines, devices, vaccines, and tests are safe and effective.

Every prescription treatment, medication, and medical device available today was tested in a clinical trial. Treatments for conditions from acne to cancer exist because people chose to participate.

By joining a clinical trial, you help researchers discover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions—for yourself, your loved ones, and generations to come.

Let’s Talk About Your Trial

Why Join a Clinical Trial

Be among the first to access new treatments

McAllen Research clinical trials provide additional care options for people with common, unique, and rare health conditions—often at no cost.

Care from expert local physicians

Experienced physicians serve as principal investigators, supported by skilled research teams, offering study-related exams and care at no cost to participants.

Discover treatments in development

The informed consent process gives participants a complete understanding of the study, including participation details, prior results, study goals, and treatment purpose.

Make a lasting impact on health

Clinical studies allow nearly anyone—regardless of background—to help advance human health and wellbeing for future generations.

Compensation for your time and effort

Many studies provide payment for time and travel. Amounts vary by study based on complexity, length, number of visits, and other factors.

It all starts with you

About the clinical research process

Clinical Trials happen in four phases, each with its own purpose. Scientists collect important data at every step, and this data must be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before a treatment can proceed to the next phase. All treatments must be approved through this process before they can be sold in the commercial market.

Phase 1

Phase 1 trials test a new treatment in a small group of participants for the very first time. The goal is to evaluate safety, determine the right dosage, and identify any side effects. Typically, 20–80 people take part, and the study lasts less than a year.

Phase 2

Phase 2 trials expand to a larger group to study how well the treatment works and continue monitoring safety. These studies may include hundreds of participants and can last several months to a few years.

Phase 3

Phase 3 trials involve thousands of participants to confirm safety, track side effects, and compare the new treatment with existing options. This stage generates the key data needed for regulatory approval and can take several years.

Phase 4

Phase 4 trials take place after a treatment is approved and available to the public. Researchers continue to study it to learn more about long-term benefits, risks, and the best ways to use it safely.

What to expect as a participant in a clinical trial

1: Finding a Study

 You may learn about a clinical research study through your doctor, online searches, community outreach, or advertisements. McAllen Research helps individuals identify clinical trials that may be appropriate for their health needs, and public resources such as ClinicalTrials.gov allow you to explore studies being conducted locally and worldwide.

2: Applying for a Study

 Once you find a study of interest, you can submit your information to begin the application process. At McAllen Research, our team reviews your details to determine whether a study may be a good match and connects you with the appropriate research staff for next steps.

3: Phone Screening

 After your application is received, a member of our research team will contact you by phone. During this call, we will ask questions about your medical history and current health to see if you may qualify. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the study.

4: Informed Consent

 Before joining any study, you will complete the informed consent process. This ensures you fully understand the study purpose, procedures, potential risks, benefits, and time commitment. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time.

5: Physical Exam

 If you pass the initial screening, you will be scheduled for an in-clinic visit at McAllen Research. A physical exam and study-specific tests are performed to confirm eligibility and ensure your safety. These evaluations vary depending on the study.

6: Study Treatment or Procedures

 If you qualify, you may receive the investigational medication, device, or intervention being studied, or a placebo, depending on the study design. Our clinical team closely monitors your health throughout the study to prioritize your safety.

7: Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up

 Some studies require multiple visits or follow-up appointments. You may be eligible for compensation or reimbursement for time and travel. All visit schedules and expectations are clearly explained so you know exactly what participation involves.

Common questions about clinical studies

You may learn about a clinical research study through your physician, online searches, community outreach,
or study advertisements. McAllen Research conducts FDA-regulated clinical trials and helps individuals
identify studies that may be appropriate based on their health history and eligibility criteria.
Public resources such as ClinicalTrials.gov also provide listings of active studies.

Every clinical trial follows a study protocol. A protocol is a detailed written plan that explains the
purpose of the study, who may participate, what procedures will be performed, how long the study will last,
what data will be collected, and how participant safety will be monitored.
At McAllen Research, all protocols are strictly followed and reviewed by regulatory and ethics committees
to ensure safety and data integrity.

The application process may vary depending on the study. When you apply with McAllen Research,
your information is reviewed by trained research staff to determine whether you may qualify.
If appropriate, you will be contacted to continue the screening process.

After applying, a member of the McAllen Research team will contact you by phone.
During this call, we will review your medical history, current medications, and general health.
This screening helps determine whether the study may be a good fit and allows you to ask questions
about participation.

Before joining any study, you will complete the informed consent process.
This ensures you fully understand the study purpose, procedures, potential risks,
possible benefits, visit schedule, and your responsibilities as a participant.
Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any time.

If you pass the initial screening, you will attend a clinic visit at McAllen Research.
This visit may include a physical exam, vital signs, lab tests, ECGs,
or other study-specific assessments required by the protocol.
These evaluations are conducted to confirm eligibility and protect your safety.

Eligible participants may receive the investigational medication, device, or intervention,
or a placebo, depending on the study design.
All treatments and procedures are performed by trained medical professionals
under close medical supervision.

Your safety is closely monitored throughout the study.
This includes regular health assessments, documentation of side effects,
and oversight by licensed investigators.
Any adverse events are reviewed and managed according to FDA and IRB requirements.

Some studies require multiple clinic visits or follow-up appointments.
The visit schedule, required testing, and length of participation
are clearly outlined in the study protocol and explained during the consent process.

Participants may be compensated or reimbursed for time, travel,
and study-related visits. Compensation varies by study and is disclosed
before participation begins. Certain compensation amounts may be subject
to IRS reporting requirements.

All studies conducted at McAllen Research are reviewed and monitored by
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and may be regulated by the FDA.
These organizations ensure studies are conducted ethically and that
participant rights, privacy, and safety are protected.

After completing the study, you may attend a final visit.
The information collected helps advance medical research
and contributes to the development of new treatments and therapies.

How to participate in a clinical trial

Research sites are often conducting several research studies at once, and may spend weeks or months recruiting individuals to participate.

Stack works with research sites to find people like you who may be interested in participating.