(NAPSA)—Accordingto the National Institutes of Health, over a quarter mil- lion clinical trials are currently being conducted in the U.S. Clinicaltrials are research studies that involve people. Through clinical trials, researchers find ways to improve existing treatments or test new treatmentoptions for patients to improve quality oflife for people with a specific disease. Clinicaltrials are one ofthe final stages of a long andcareful research process, which often beginsin a lab wherescientists first develop and test new ideas. Clinicaltrials lead to new andbetter treatments for people with all kindsof conditions. ‘The Trouble Oneproblem, however, is recruiting people to participate. The vast majority The more people participate in true for those with inflammatory bowel canbe createdforall sorts of health conditions. ofclinicaltrials experience delays dueto clinical trials, the sooner less exenrollmentchallenges. This is especially pensive, more effective treatments diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease andulcerativecolitis. A Solution Tohelp, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (the Foundation) created a dedicated Clinical Trials Community for IBD, made possible by support from AbbVie, Celgene Corporation,Eli Lilly Osso added. “With a dedicated,singular resource, we are empoweringpatients to makedecisionsthat are right for them, cultivating a cultureofcitizen scientists and creating opportunities for patients to support research that affects the and Company, Genentech,Inc., Gilead whole IBD community” Sciences, Inc., and Takeda Pharma- ‘TheClinical Trials Community aims ceuticals U.S.A., Inc. It's designed to educate patients, caregivers, and health to: process, its value, and how to address barriers that exist in enrollment. The Foundation discovered that somepeopleseetrials as last resort and a treatmentoption thatcouldpotentially compromise their own health. “These recruitment difficulties cause icaltrial participation + Lessen the fears associated with clinical trials, leaving patients better informed to make decisions about trial participation care providers about the clinical trial Inform patients about the different phasesand processes involved in clin- + Equip patients with the knowledge to to move the drug development process engage in more robust conversations with their providers about clinical trials. ident and CEO ofthe Foundation. “Our clinical trial video series, IBD clinical delays in attainingthecritical data needed forward?explained Michael Osso, pres- Clinical Trials Community will provide ‘The program includes a website, a trialfinder, Patient Stories webpage, and education and resources to help over- research findings. Additionalresources come these challenges and accelerate will be addedas the community grows. treatmentoptions toward approval. “We know through our research For Learn More further information, visit that patients wouldbewillingto partic- www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/ to learn more about the purpose and importance ofclinical trial research? clinicaltrials@crohnscolitisfoundation. ipate in clinicaltrials if they were able clinicaltrials, call(888) 694-8872, ore-mail org.
