A recent report published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine

(April 2, 208) suggests that the results of clinical trials are not always unbiased.  As more pharmaceutical companies are eager to have new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain clinical trials heed caution.

Prior to FDA approval of a new brand name drug, pharmaceutical companies are required to administer clinical trials to help identify any potential health risks. Before volunteers participate in these medical studies, they sign an agreement. The objective, terms of payment and premise of the study are defined in the contraqct. Quite often, the terms in which the researchers are compensated, portrays a different story about the authenticity of the trial results. Such has been the case for the prescribed drugs, Ortho Ovum and Vioxx--to name a few.

Before signing up for any clinical trial, be sure to read the fine print of how the researchers of the study are paid. The warning signs include studies where the leader:

● Receives financial remuneration from the pharmaceutical company's engagements (i.e., consulting or speaking)

● Benefits financially

● Owns stock in the drug company

And just because your physician writes a prescription, it does not mean that the medication is absolutely safe. Use the same philosophy, (above) to evaluate the authenticity of a trial before taking a new prescribed medication. Investigate how many people were involved in the clinical trials and what incentives the researchers may have for a positive outcome.

While many consumers were not concerned by the financial compensation of researchers, owning company stock caused concern amongst volunteers, participants and consumers. Even if the researcher's institution holds stock in the drug company, it is an indication that the researchers might have an ulterior motive for the outcomes of the clinical research.

Overall, potential volunteers and participants should consider trials where the leader of the study is compensated for trial-related expenses, (only).