Like everything else in life, there are some risks associated with clinical trials. That’s why before you start a study we will give you a comprehensive health check and communicate with your GP to ensure your suitability. Once you are enrolled in the study you will be monitored by our dedicated team of Doctors and Nursing staff throughout your participation, and we will report any relevant medical information back to your GP.

The industry itself is heavily regulated. Before a study can even take place, an independent ethics committee reviews the study making sure all the correct safeguards have been made. We are also continuously monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an executive agency of the Department of health, designed and responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices.

We promise never to divulge your personal information to any external party, other than your doctor or hospital unless required to do so by law. The study results may be presented externally, however this will be done in a manner in which you will never be identified personally.

We understand that taking part in a clinical trial might be a daunting prospect. All of the staff at MAC are outgoing and welcoming, and we will do everything we can to make your visit as relaxing as possible. However, if you feel you do need any additional support, you are more than welcome to bring a family member or close friend along. We follow these same guidelines for residential stays also. We appreciate that being away from loved ones can be difficult, and we will do our utmost to accommodate any visits you have during your stay.

If you have any reservations before taking part in any study, then why not come and have a look around the clinic? We would be more than happy to show you around our facilities, meet our medical team, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

If you want to take part in a study, or simply register an interest for us to contact you for future studies then there is a host of options available to you:

• Call our dedicated Patient Recruitment Team on 0800 633 55 07
• Complete the Register Your Interest section online or choose to Join A Study​
• Text MAC (followed by your name) to 81025, we will call you back at a convenient time.

Each study is unique and the frequency and duration of the visits will vary. Our patient enquiries team will be happy to advise you about the visit schedule for our studies before you decide whether you would like to take part. A typical study will have between 5 and 10 visits, the duration of these visits can be from 30 minutes to 5 hours however some longer visits are possible.

Clinical trials are an essential part of medical research that are used to test new drug products, as well as existing medications, to help develop new treatments. The medical knowledge that clinical trials aim to determine can range from how the human body absorbs a drug, how the drug may react to other medications, and if the drug is affected by food.

All medications, even those as common as paracetamol and aspirin, have possible side effects. Typically, reported side effects are mild and affect only a small percentage of people. Before you join a study our Doctors will provide you with details of previously reported side effects. Full details will also be clearly explained in the patient information sheet. If you participate in one of our studies you will be closely monitored by our experienced medical team and you will have regular check-ups to ensure your well being.

Each study is unique with its own individual criteria. The criteria may state that certain medications are not permitted whilst on the study. However, other studies may state that you need to be currently taking a certain medication in order to be eligible.

If you are on a restricted medication, but you want to take part in a study, it may be possible to come off your medication. We would advise that you speak to your GP about the study before making this decision, and there may be a washout period after you stop your medication before you can start the study. Please speak to our Patient Recruitment team for more information.

Please be advised that we put you, the patient, first. If we feel that by ceasing your current medication you are compromising your safety or well-being in anyway, we will be unable to enroll you on the study.

Before you start a study we will need to contact your GP to obtain relevant medical information to ensure your suitability, safety and wellbeing. During the course of the study, we will keep your GP informed of any significant findings.

We maintain a close relationship with you, and your GP throughout the study. If you are taking part in a study for a particular condition that you suffer the symptoms of, the additional care and specific attention you receive at MAC, may play a part in assisting your GP with the continuous treatment of your condition.

This depends on the individual study. For some studies there will be an inconvenience payment based upon the sacrifice of time you have made. Other studies may not provide payment but could offer the opportunity to be part of the first set of patients to trial a new medication that could relieve you of your symptoms. Please see our Current Studies pages for specific information about each of our studies payments.

Whether the study offers payment or not, taking part in a trial won’t cost you a penny as we will either provide transport to and from our clinics, or reimburse your travel expenses.