Select Page

A message from our chief executive officer Renzo Dicarlo

As the world adjusts to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), first and foremost, we at BioPharma Services are being guided by the recommendations of the World Health Organization and other leading health organizations such as the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in USA.

Throughout this very difficult time, the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and sponsor community remains our top priority.

We have established a cross-functional COVID-19 taskforce with representation from senior leadership and experts across our company, and we are continually evolving robust business continuity plans that address detailed scenarios that could arise.

We communicated with you all last week about how we are maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. We have additionally stepped-up our sanitation protocols and have implemented social distancing measures to increase volunteer safety as we continue to execute clinical trials in line with latest guidance from the FDA and EMA.

Canadian and US public health authorities and business leaders have swiftly taken decisive and impactful actions to reduce the threat of the virus and flatten the curve of transmission. These steps include encouraging the closure of non-essential businesses, work from home arrangements, closing schools and universities, ceasing visits to hospitals and seniors’ care homes, and widely sharing social distancing guidelines.

It is still early days but we hope that the responses of the Canadian and US governments will have the desired effect to slow the advancement of the virus. These are troubling times the world over, but we remain committed to our core mission – to deliver excellence in early stage clinical research and provide safe and affordable medicine to every patient in need.

If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always available to answer any questions using virtual technology.

Sending my very best wishes to you and your family as we navigate the days ahead.

Yours in health,
Renzo G. DiCarlo
Chief Executive Officer
BioPharma Services

BioPharma Services Inc. is a contract research organization that conducts research studies across all medical disciplines. Our offices and study sites are located in Toronto, Ontario and Columbia, Missouri. For our current research studies visit our study hub today.

Popular Posts

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    What are early phase clinical trials?

    Clinical Trials are divided into 4 phases.  Phase 1 and 2 trials constitute early phase trials, Phase 3 and 4 research studies are late-phase trials.

    The primary objective of Phase 1 studies is to determine the correct drug dosage by evaluating drug safety and determining if there are any side effects.  Phase 1 trials are conducted in healthy volunteers.

    Phase 2 studies also study the safety of a drug but focus on evaluating its effectiveness. These studies can be conducted in healthy volunteers or in individuals who have a certain disease or condition.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    What is a clinical trial?

    A Clinical trial is a process which is performed to determine whether an investigational drug, device or therapy is safe and effective.   In early phase research (i.e. Phases 1 and 2), the safety and effectiveness of the drug will be evaluated in healthy volunteers.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    What is an investigational drug?

    An investigational drug can also be called an experimental drug and is being studied to see if your disease or medical condition improves while taking it. Scientists are trying to prove in clinical trials:

    • If the drug is safe and effective.
    • How the drug might be used in that disease.
    • How much of the drug is needed.
    • Information about the potential benefits and risks of taking the drug.
  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Why do you need to take blood draws and how many blood draws will be required?

    In order to evaluate the drug profile, we need to understand its pharmacokinetics. This is essentially how the body reacts to a drug after its administration through the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, as well as the metabolic changes. Therefore, blood draws are collected at various time points to better understand this mechanism. Each study requires a specific number of blood draws and total blood volume. These values will be provided to you and clearly stipulated in the informed consent form (ICF). The amount of blood that will be taken is outlined in the ICF.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Should I expect to experience any side-effects while doing studies?

    As every study is testing an investigational product, there may be side effects. You will be provided with a list of side effects that have been reported in previous trials (if any), so you can make an informed decision whether or not to participate in the trial. During the trial you will be required to immediately inform clinic study staff of any adverse effects that you are experiencing. These side effects usually resolve upon discontinuation of the study drug.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Will I be compensated for doing a clinical study?

    Volunteers are compensated and the amount varies depending on the length of the clinical trial, length of stay and number of follow-up visits. The compensation is not specifically related to the risks or type of drug involved in the trials or studies. Every study is different and therefore, the compensation will vary. Study volunteers may receive between $1000 to $4000 for a trial (based on the factors listed above).

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Are food and accommodation provided over the course of the trial?

    Food – Clinical trials are conducted in a controlled setting which means that all food is provided and  trial volunteers receive standardised meals.  Individual meal plans or meal preferences cannot be provided.  If you have any food allergies or hypersensitivity to food product(s) that are clinically significant or life-threatening you may not be able to participate in a trial.    Please contact us to discuss any food issues.

    Accommodation – During your in-clinic stay you will share sleeping areas with other volunteers who are of the same gender.  Similar to a hospital setting, supervision will be provided to ensure that your health and safety are being monitored.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    What is the length of a study and do I have to complete all the visits?

    Details of the duration of a study can be found on the Volunteer Hub.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Can I bring my own device?

    Yes, we encourage you to bring items that will help to pass the time while you are in the clinic. You can use the time to study or work or catch up on the movies you’ve been meaning to watch.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    What do I need to pack?

    Wondering what to pack before your site visit? Visit our Packing List page to learn more.

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    When do I receive compensation for taking part in a study?

    You will receive compensation as outlined during the Informed Consent process. Typically, you will receive compensation once all study visits have been completed. If, for any reason, you do not complete all study visits, your compensation will be on a pro-rated basis (i.e. for the time that you have participated in the trial)

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Where will I sleep during the clinical study?

    We provide a clean, safe socially distance sleeping environment, in a dormitory of hotel room style. Watch video

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Can I bring my own food?

    All aspects of clinical trials are closely monitored including the food and drink consumed by participants. While you are in the clinic, you will be provided with all meals as per the study guidelines. You will need to eat all the food provided to ensure the guidelines are met. Watch video

  • image/svg+xmlimage/svg+xml
    Privacy

    We respect and value the privacy of our volunteers. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy here.