Older adults should join clinical trials to shape new drugs

Gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck said older adults are often “walking blind” because new medicines are tested on younger populations. This gap leaves seniors without information on how drugs affect their specific biology.

Cradduck noted that medication metabolizes differently in older bodies than in younger ones. Without senior participants, researchers lack the data needed to confirm safety and effectiveness for that age group. She added that no new medicine can receive approval without clinical trials.

Board-certified physician Rhea Rogers advised patients to change their mindset about trials. She said people often view studies as a last resort when other options have failed. Rogers argued that trials offer immediate access to treatments that may not be available to the public for years. “You get great access to tomorrow’s medicines today,” Rogers said.

Rogers suggested starting with the ClinicalTrials.gov website or asking a physician for referrals. Academic centers and disease-specific organizations also run their own studies. The National Institutes of Health maintains a list of trials and identifies which ones compensate participants.

Aging expert Amy O’Rourke reminded potential volunteers that they may receive a placebo. Participants should not expect to get the active drug or see immediate improvement. “You might be the one getting the placebo, you might get the drug itself,” O’Rourke said. She noted that many participants feel a sense of hope and contribution to their community.

O’Rourke said social workers at local trial groups provided support and connected clients to community resources. Participants also gained access to medical specialists. Cradduck addressed the common fear of being a guinea pig by noting that studies undergo repeated testing before reaching human trials. She stated that adverse effects exist with all prescribed medications, but trials are necessary to understand them.

Rogers said participants often receive close monitoring and access to specialists. Some studies cover costs like gas and others pay participants directly. The key is to understand the specific scientific question the trial aims to answer before enrolling.