Many of Pfizer’s phase 1 clinical trials take place at the Pfizer Clinical Research Unit (PCRU) in New Haven, Connecticut. The participants in these clinical trials commonly don’t have the disease or condition that will later be studied. That’s why the participants are called “healthy volunteers.”
Healthy volunteers in these clinical trials help us understand how a study drug or vaccine affects the body before people with a condition are included. This is one way to assess safety and learn more about a study drug or vaccine before giving it to those who have an active medical condition.
Healthy volunteers truly make a difference as we strive for breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.
A look inside our facility
Our clinical research unit is a modern facility that provides study-related clinical care and monitoring of the participants in our clinical trials. The New Haven Clinical Research Unit has 57 inpatient beds as well as outpatient facilities. Many of the studies include overnight stays. Within the research unit location, you’ll have access to internet, a large relaxation and reading area, and a multimedia room for entertainment. There is also a terrace available for fresh air.
Participants receive financial compensation for their participation. The amount depends on factors like length of the stay, total number of study visits, and the nature of the study procedures.
We also have a fully renovated outpatient clinic for vaccine studies. Take a look inside and learn more about vaccine clinical trials at the New Haven PCRU.
Frequently asked questions
The screening visit is a key step to joining a clinical trial. At this visit, you will review the informed consent document with members of the study team at the PCRU. The informed consent document describes the details of the clinical trial, including what your rights and responsibilities would be as a participant, and any potential risks, so that you can decide whether you’d like to participate. The study team will answer any questions you may have.
If you decide to participate, you will sign the informed consent document and then undergo study-required tests, procedures, or assessments to confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the study. These may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (a test that uses sensors attached to the skin to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity), and vital signs.
A typical clinical trial at the New Haven PCRU may have busy days with lots of study procedures, as well as rest days with lots of downtime.
For a typical clinical trial at this facility, your busy day will likely start with an overnight fast. You’ll likely wake up early in the morning for pre-dose activities, which could include an electrocardiogram (a test that uses sensors attached to the skin to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity), vital signs, and a blood draw. The study doctor will review your results to confirm you may receive the study drug. Staff will administer your dose according to the study requirements — it could be a tablet or capsule by mouth, a liquid that you drink, an injection, a treatment applied to the skin, or other forms. After that, you’ll likely have procedures throughout the day and into the evening, such as blood draws and safety assessments, meals, and monitoring by the staff to see how you’re feeling.
On rest days, you might have a few morning procedures, but when you are not busy with study activities, you can enjoy free time within the research unit. Within the location you’ll have access to internet, a large relaxation and reading area, and a multimedia room for entertainment. There’s also a terrace available for fresh air.
Each clinical study has its own requirements, so the answer to this depends on the study you are participating in. A participant may be required to stay overnight at the PCRU in New Haven, CT, for observation and study procedures. These details are provided in the informed consent document and are summarized on the study’s webpage. You may also ask the study team any questions you may have.
Participants in clinical trials at the PCRU receive financial compensation for their participation. The amount depends on factors like length of the stay, total number of study visits, and the nature of the study procedures. The compensation for a specific study will be listed on the study webpage and other study materials.
Yes! We love when our participants tell their friends and family about us. Please click Learn more to read the details of our Referral Program and follow the directions to refer someone for a study. As always feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Interested in participating?
Call 1-800-254-6398 or click here to see if you may qualify for our research unit’s ongoing
or
Explore trials below (click here to filter list)
Learn More About the PCRU
PCRU Address
1 Howe St
New Haven, CT 06511
Verenigde Staten
Phone: 800-254-6398
Hours
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 am - 6:30 pm ET |
| Friday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm ET |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
