What if the next medical breakthrough started right here in BC, with you? BC is getting a new Phase 1 clinical trial unit, and you don’t have to be a scientist to help shape the future of medicine.

Historically, BC has had limited first phase clinical trial capacity. That meant researchers developing new treatments had to go out-of-province or abroad to continue testing their innovations.

This year, there’s been a coordinated effort to revive Phase 1 clinical trials in the province. A new healthy volunteer clinical trial unit has just opened its doors at Vancouver’s Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. This spring, a new inpatient Clinical Trials Unit opened at Vancouver General Hospital. It focuses on early-phase trials for blood cancer treatments. Through REACH BC, you can learn about these and many other opportunities to take part in research.

Maybe you’ve heard of BC’s new clinical trial units, or maybe you’re curious about how to get involved. In this article, we’ll explain what Phase 1 clinical trials are, why they’re important and how you can contribute during this exciting time for health research.

Phase 1 clinical trials usually measure side effects and find ideal dosages of treatment.

In BC, clinical trials turn scientific breakthroughs into useable treatments. They also benefit the economy. Keeping early-phase clinical trials in BC helps ensure a smooth process from discovery to certain treatments getting market approval from Health Canada. The ability to carry out healthy volunteer trials within the province means BC’s biotech sector can make new treatments a reality, faster.

There are many benefits to joining a clinical trial, including:

Participating in a Phase 1 clinical trial involves certain risks. In Canada, the research team is responsible for making sure participants are prepared. They explain all benefits and risks beforehand, and will only proceed if you give informed consent.

A Phase 1 trial is the first time the drug is being administered to humans, and there may be unexpected side effects. These can range from minor issues such as feeling tired to more serious problems that need medical attention.

You’ll often stay in hospital for the duration of a clinical trial, where help is available right away.

Clinical trials may involve significant time commitment and disruption to your routine. For some, you may sleep away from home. You may have to eat meals at specific times, have your blood drawn regularly or undergo other tests.

All drugs that proceed to clinical trial have already been tested in a laboratory. Extensive assessment is done in pre-clinical phase to learn about a treatment’s effects on the body.

Clinical trials only start for treatments with no serious safety concerns. The team behind the therapy and Health Canada are confident the intervention will be safe for humans.

Clinical trials are the basis for most advances of modern medicine. You’re helping make today’s serious medical problems tomorrow’s treatable conditions. Your job as a participant is important, and many organizations will offer compensation for your time and effort. Throughout the process you’ll be supervised by medical professionals in an environment with thorough safety monitoring.

Phase 1 clinical trials are the first time a drug or new therapy is administered to humans to make sure it’s safe.

There are several new Phase 1 clinical trial initiatives that have recently opened or will launch soon. In Vancouver, a new Phase 1 Clinical Trial Unit opened at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in September. Vancouver Coastal Health also launched a new inpatient clinical trials unit for first-stage trials of blood cancer treatments in May. More early-phase clinical trial initiatives are also in development.

Growing BC’s clinical trial capacity will further scientific advancement to provide diagnostic tests and treatment options that could improve quality of life and save lives. Increasing capacity for early-phase trials is a priority in BC’s vision for the future of clinical trials. Policymakers, scientists, and patient partners believe that supporting the innovation lifecycle from discovery to first-in-human trials will bring health and economic benefit to BC.