What types of study schedules are available?
We currently offer a variety of study opportunities. The majority of these studies require overnight stays in our clinic. You can choose between:
Weekend Schedules- a weekend study typically checks in after 5:00 P.M. on Friday and checks out before 9:00 A.M.
on Monday.
Weekday Schedules- a weekday study is less than five consecutive days in our
clinic and includes at least one full day of confinement between Monday and Friday.
Longterm
Schedules- a long-term study is a stay of five or more consecutive days.
Please call our Call Center at (800) 609-7297 or (402) 474-7297 to find out about our current available studies.
Do
I need to have a medical condition to participate in a study?
The
type of studies we conduct generally require healthy normal participants, therefore we are not looking for individuals with
medical conditions. The research we conduct is not intended to determine the
effectiveness of a medication. Our studies are being run to determine how a participant’s
body metabolizes a medication. We specifically track how the medication is absorbed,
distributed, metabolized and excreted in the bodies of healthy normal participants.
Has anyone died?
Since we were established in 1969, no one has died while on a study or as a result of that study at MDS Pharma Services. Every study is conducted under complete medical supervision. The Food and Drug
Administration, The Institutional Review Board, and our medical staff have reviewed each protocol for safety. They determine
whether or not each study is considered safe enough for testing, and our medical staff continues to monitor the safety of
the participant throughout a study.
Are there a maximum number of studies I can participate on?
A participant is only allowed to participant in one study at a time. Following
completion of each study there is a minimum waiting period before a participant can take part in another study. The waiting period is a minimum of one month and is referred to as the “wash-out” period.
How
do I qualify to participate in a study?
Each study has a specific set of qualifications that need to be met in order for a participant to take part in a particular
study. Here are some general participant qualifications:
Acceptable Address
Participants must have an acceptable address in order to participate in a study. This permanent mailing address must
be registered with the U. S. Postal Office and be within a certain proximity of the MDS Pharma Services site.
Acceptable Phone Number
Participants must have a valid direct phone number in order to participate in a study. Without a direct phone number,
it is difficult to relay study information and confirm appointments. No message numbers are accepted.
Normal Healthy Population
Participants must meet specific criteria in order to participate in a study. In general, we look for participants that
are on no medications, meet the study's medical safety guidelines and also fall within the acceptable age, height and weight
ranges.
What is the role of MDS Pharma Services in drug development?
The Food and Drug Administration requires prescription and over-the-counter drugs be thoroughly tested for safety and
effectiveness before being marketed. MDS Pharma Services conducts
clinical research on behalf of drug development companies to help determine how long it takes a drug to work while evaluating any
potential side effects of taking the medication. This ensures that these compounds meet established quality standards and
that the public’s safety is protected.
What is the difference between the Omaha and Lincoln sites?
Our clinic in Lincoln is the main site for MDS Pharma Services.
This is the location where you check-in and complete the study. Your initial screening and doctor's exam may also take place
at the Lincoln location. The Omaha site is only a screening site. This means that for some of your studies you may have the
option to do your initial screening and doctor's exam at our Omaha site, located near 77th and Dodge Street. You will need
to come to Lincoln to participate in the study.
Where
will I be sleeping?
Many of our studies will require an overnight stay, of varying length, in our facility. Each participant
will be assigned a sleeping area at check-in. In most cases you will share a bunk area similar to those pictured below.
Although the common areas within the clinic are shared by all participants, bunk areas are assigned by sex.
