The Sharp Center for Research

Clinical trials enable health care providers to learn whether a new treatment is safe and effective. Drug and device clinical trials are classified as Phase 1, in which new formulations are tested for safety; Phase 2, in which the treatment is tested for effectiveness; or Phase 3, in which researchers look at both safety and effectiveness in a larger group of patients.

Only after a new drug or device passes all of the clinical trial phases is it then cleared by the FDA for general public use.

You will need to complete an informed consent form to participate in a clinical trial.

Before you sign an informed consent form, read it carefully. It should clearly outline both the possible benefits of the clinical trial and the known risks involved. If there is anything on the informed consent form that you do not understand, ask your physician about it before signing.

During your treatment in a clinical trial, you will be monitored and observed closely. If at any time during the trial, you or your doctor believes the treatment is not in your best interest to continue, you can leave or be removed from the study.

Although experimental treatment is usually free, there may be some costs to you or your insurer. Make sure that you discuss and understand the costs before you join any study.

If you think you may want to join a clinical trial, ask your physician if any study at Sharp may be appropriate for you. Your doctor should explain the criteria for trial eligibility — your health status — and the potential benefits and risks, such as side effects or other impacts on your health.

The Neonatal Research Institute was established in 2013 to identify and disseminate the latest evidence-based best practices for newborn care. At Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, the busiest maternity hospital in California, we have a unique opportunity to research new, leading-edge treatments and practices. The institute has earned the support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand its work and impact.

The discoveries happening at the Neonatal Research Institute are improving care for infants across the country and have the potential to improve the lives of babies worldwide.

Learn more about the Neonatal Research Institute.

The Neurocognitive Research Center has conducted more than 300 clinical trials dedicated to developing new and more effective mental health therapies. The Neurocognitive Research Center has focused research efforts on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Each trial is vital to discover treatments that can enhance the lives of not only the participants themselves, but others suffering from similar conditions.

Learn more about the Neurocognitive Research Center.

Sharp HealthCare's cancer program is nationally accredited by the U.S. Commission on Cancer, signifying a commitment to high-quality cancer care. Sharp is a leader in clinical oncology research, offering patients access to the latest cancer treatments with a wide selection of open trials for almost every tumor type. Sharp has more than 20 clinical trials related to cancer treatment open at any time. More than 30 trials at Sharp are still in their follow-up phases to monitor long-term safety and outcomes of the research participants.

Learn more about oncology research at Sharp.

Sharp HealthCare's Outcomes Research Institute has engaged in innovative, collaborative research to evaluate the long-term results of care, promote clinical excellence and advance best practices in health care delivery.

Learn more about the Outcomes Research Center.