What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is research which tries to answer specific questions about drugs or new therapies in patients. Clinical trials are used to determine the safety and/or effectiveness of new healthcare options. Carefully conducted clinical trails are the fastest and safest way to investigate new ideas and find treatments that work.

What if I don’t see a clinical trial that includes my pet?

Clinical trials are designed for a specific purpose. If there is not a trial currently underway for which your pet qualifies, check back. New studies begin frequently. If you are interested in bringing your pet to the doctors and specialists at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, you can contact the hospital directly at (765) 494-1107.

How do I know clinical trials are safe?

There are some risks with any clinical trial, just as there are with many medical procedures. However, all clinical trials have been reviewed by a Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee to ensure animal well being. Informed owner consent is always a part of the study, which means that you are given all the information up front and must agree in writing before your pet can enter the study.

What can I expect from the veterinary clinical trial team?

Our goal is to give you a thorough understanding of our clinical trials. We will explain what to expect for both you and your pet and provide compassionate care throughout the trial. Some trials offer financial subsidies. When those subsidies are available, we will help you through the qualification process.

Why is research important?

Through research, doors are opened to improve health care. The investigation of new ideas provides answers to problems, both old and new. Through research we are able to better understand disease and develop new detection methods and treatments.

How do I get my pet into a clinical trial?

Please check our listing for current clinical trial recruitment opportunities or contact us at:
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Office of Veterinary Clinical Trials
625 Harrison Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: (765) 496-9715
FAX: (765) 496-1108
Email:vetcltrl@purdue.edu
To schedule a medical appointment for your pet please call the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at:
(765) 494-1107

Purdue actively recruites patients for clinical trial research. We are engaged in the ongoing effort to improve the care and treatment of all animals, large and small.