Behind the Pharmacy

In clinical research, hope begins when people give of themselves to help others. The drug development process can be lengthy and filled with ups and downs, but the potential impact of a cure or treatment reaching those in need is incredible.

In the MT Pharmacy video created by CISCRP, people who were sick or knew individuals who were sick wanted to find solutions and cures to combat the illnesses afflicting them or their loved ones. But this need cannot simply be met with a trip to the doctor or the drugstore. The hope for a cure or treatment only begins when individuals volunteer to advance medicine by participating in a clinical trial.

There is still a large unmet need when it comes to available drugs and discovery of diseases continues to occur, which only increases the need for additional treatments or cures. More than 18,083 investigational products are currently going through the clinical trial process in the United States alone, to ensure they are safe and effective in the treatment of a particular disease.  A disease that may be afflicting a few or many, but all are patients in need.

The importance of clinical research cannot be understated; clinical research ensures medicines are safe and effective in humans. Without clinical trials, we would not have the medicines we have today, and new ones would not be on the way.

In the video, just as in real life, the people who came to the pharmacy were hoping to discover life-changing medicines for themselves, their friends and loved ones.

Although there may not be cures for some illnesses, people can share a new hope with their loved ones through clinical trials. Patient volunteers are our hope to finding a cure or treatment.

Although there may not be cures for some illnesses, people can share a new hope with their loved ones through clinical trials. Patient volunteers are our hope to finding a cure or treatment.

The visitors to MT pharmacy learned about the source of medications and were introduced to clinical research and clinical trials through the perspective of an empty pharmacy. Because they now carry this knowledge, they are able to pass along and educate others about clinical trials, specifically their use as a treatment option, and the hope that exists through clinical trials.

Just as the MT Pharmacy store shelves became filled when people put their dream cure or treatment on the shelves, so do the store shelves in our own communities as more people participate in clinical research and volunteer for clinical trials.

*Numerical figures found at www.clinicaltrials.gov