Get Involved in Research

Would you like to influence the development of new drugs and medications?

Are you keen to give something back to society?

Telephone 01382 740 237

Spectratox will pay volunteers for their participation in drug trials/studies and will provide local transport or reimburse travel expenses.

The amount of payment received for each study will vary and is calculated based on the amount of time that you will have to devote to the study, the number of visits and also the amount of inconvenience anticipated during the study based on the planned procedures. An independent Research Ethics Committee will have approved all the payments that we make to volunteers for trial participation. Study payments are made at the end of the study after your final visit and are made by cheque, which will be made out in your name.

No qualifications or skills are needed to be a drug study volunteer. You will need to be aged over 18 and there is generally no upper age restrictions provided you are in good health.

You can be randomised to a study when you have successfully undergone a general health check and examination, declared any medication or health treatment you are undergoing or have recently undergone. The health check may include pulse, blood pressure and heart checks and the taking of some samples of blood. Each study may have specific checks attached and if you are not eligible for one study, we will keep your details on our database for future studies.

What do I do in a study?

You will be randomised to taking a trial drug or a dummy drug in tablet form. By shining light rays on the skin we can accurately assess any impact the trial drug has had on an individual’s light response. The scientists and doctors can monitor how your body signs change as the medicine works and how it interacts with certain foods or conditions.

How long do the studies last?

Your participation in a study will usually last 10 – 14 days

How often can I take part in trials?

You are not allowed to take part in more than one study at a time and we recommend a gap of 12 weeks between studies. This is for your wellbeing and it is important that you do not take part in trials too often. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any questions that you may have.

What do I do to take part?

Contact the number above and you will be asked some general health questions. If you are suitable for our studies we will contact you to arrange an appointment at our Clinical Trials Suite in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, where you will be seen by the Research Nurse and a Doctor who will give you a short physical examination and ask some more questions. You will be asked to bring photographic identification (e.g. a passport or photo driving licence) with you and your GP contact details.

Is Spectratox insured if there are problems?

This type of study work is covered by the sponsoring pharmaceutical company. Spectratox carries additional insurance.

Why do I need to be registered with a doctor?

To conduct our studies in a safe and ethical manner, we contact your GP to check that you are eligible to take part and that any medical history questions can be accurately answered.

What happens to the information about me?

Your details will be held on a secure volunteer database which is only accessed by Spectratox staff. If you take part in our study we will ask you for permission to share the information with the company who is sponsoring the study. If necessary, your records may also be disclosed to regulatory authorities for medicines in the UK and elsewhere. You are entitled to access information held about you if you so wish.