Frequently asked questions

Clinical studies follow strict safety rules and are overseen by licensed medical staff and an independent ethics board (an IRB) whose job is to protect participants. Treatments being studied have usually already gone through earlier rounds of safety testing. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can ask questions or stop at any time.

Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo, and some don't. Whether a study uses a placebo, and your chances of receiving the active treatment, are explained clearly before you join. Many weight and metabolic studies also let everyone eventually access the active treatment. The study team will walk you through exactly how their study works.

Yes. TrialPath is free, and in a study the study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost. Many studies also pay you for your time and travel. You should never be asked to pay to join a study.

Compensation varies by study — it depends on the number of visits and the time involved. When a study offers compensation, the study team will tell you the amount before you enroll. We don't promise a specific amount, because it's set by each study, not by us.

Sometimes. It depends on the specific study. Some studies are looking for people new to these medications, some require a break (a 'washout') from them, and some are open to current users. When you answer our questions honestly, we match you to studies that fit your situation.

We show you the studies you may qualify for. If you consented to be contacted, a study coordinator may reach out by phone or text to confirm your eligibility and, if it's a fit, schedule your first visit. Final eligibility is always confirmed by the study team.

Yes. We only share your information with study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. We never sell your information. You can ask us to delete your data or stop contacting you at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details.

No. Using TrialPath and talking to a study coordinator never obligates you to join anything. Participation in any study is always your choice, and you can change your mind at any point — even after you've started.

Only if you want us to. You can opt in to alerts about future studies that match your profile, and you can opt out at any time by replying STOP to a text or contacting us.