Center for Clinical Innovation | LSU Vet Med

What is Clinical Research

Clinical research is the study of health and illness in both people and animals. It involves testing new treatments, drugs, and medical procedures to see if they are safe and effective. Veterinary clinical research  specifically focuses on animals, helping to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases in pets and other animals. This research helps veterinarians improve animal health and can also provide insights  that benefit human medicine. By participating in clinical research, animals can contribute to medical knowledge and potentially benefit from new treatments before they are widely available.

Why Your Pet Should Participate in a Clinical Trial

Some animals participate in veterinary clinical research because existing treatments for their health problems have not been effective, or no treatments are available. By being part of a clinical trial, your pet may gain access to new treatments before they become widely available. Additionally, some studies involve healthy animals to help discover ways to prevent or treat diseases that are common in their species or breed.

What Is A Clinical Trial

It involves testing new treatments, drugs, and medical procedures to see if they are safe and effective. They help us to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases in pets and other animals. These trials often compare a new treatment to an existing one, allowing us to find the best treatments available. Additionally, veterinary clinical trials allow us to evaluate new treatments for diseases in animals that also occur in humans.

How Are Clinical Trials Conducted & Approved?

All veterinary clinical trials at LSU Vet Med are conducted by our experienced faculty. Each trial follows a set of guidelines (Good Clinical Practice) that explain what will be done, how it will be done, who can participate, and why each part of the study is important. Some trials need healthy animals, while others focus on animals with specific diseases or certain breeds or sexes. Before starting, every clinical trial is approved by a special committee to make sure it is safe, and it is closely watched by veterinarians, researchers, statisticians, and members of the LSU Vet Med hospital community throughout the study. This careful oversight ensures that any risks are small and that the potential benefits to our animal patients are worthwhile.

Find Out If Your Pet Is Qualified for a Trial

You can browse through our list of available clinical studies or contact the Center for Clinical Innovation Office at CCITrials@lsu.edu.

CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS AT LSU VET MED

Benefits

Clinical trials can provide alternative solutions for patients when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Additionally, the costs associated with certain treatments and medications may be partially or fully covered by the study. Our objective is to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of our clinical trials. We will clarify what you and your pet can anticipate and offer compassionate care during the trial. When financial subsidies are available in some trials, we will assist you in navigating the qualification process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a veterinary clinical trial? Veterinary clinical trials are research studies conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments or medications in animals.
2. Why should I consider enrolling my pet in a clinical trial? Clinical trials can provide access to new treatments that may be more effective than existing options, especially if other treatments have failed.
3. How do I find a veterinary clinical trial for my pet? Your veterinarian may be aware of ongoing trials, or you can search our online database.
4. What are the eligibility criteria for my pet to participate in a clinical trial? Eligibility criteria vary by study and may include factors such as species, breed, age, medical condition, and previous treatments.
5. What can I expect during the clinical trial process? You will receive detailed information about the trial’s procedures, including the treatment plan, duration, required visits, and any potential risks or benefits.
6. Are there any risks involved in enrolling my pet in a clinical trial? While all efforts are made to ensure safety, there may be risks, such as side effects from new treatments. These will be explained to you before you consent to participate.
7. Will my pet receive standard care during the trial? With each trial, the research team conducting the trial will provide all details of care provided and guidance on the specific trial of interest.
8. Is there a cost to participate in a clinical trial? Costs may vary; some trials cover treatment expenses entirely, while others may offer partial subsidies. This information will be provided during the enrollment process.
9. What happens if the trial treatment doesn’t work for my pet? Your pet’s health and well-being are the top priorities. If the trial treatment is not effective, alternative treatments will be discussed, and standard care will continue.
10. Can I withdraw my pet from the clinical trial at any time? Yes, you can withdraw your pet from the trial at any time for any reason without any penalty. Your veterinarian will discuss alternative care options with you.
11. Will participating in a clinical trial help other pets? Yes, the data collected from clinical trials contribute to advancing veterinary medicine, potentially benefiting many other pets in the future.
12. How will my pet’s information be used in the clinical trial? Your pet’s information will be used to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and safety. Personal information will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes.
13. How long do clinical trials typically last? The duration of clinical trials varies depending on the study. Some may last a few weeks, while others could continue for several months or longer.
14. Who will oversee my pet’s care during the clinical trial? A team of veterinarians and researchers will oversee your pet’s care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and monitoring throughout the trial.
15. How can I get more information about a specific clinical trial? Contact the research team at LSU Vet Med’s Centre of Clinical Innovation, or speak with your veterinarian for more details and guidance on the specific trial of interest/ 

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