Clinical trials

GSK and Clinical Studies

We believe that together through clinical studies we can make a difference in lives of people who are at risk for a disease, who are already living with it, or who want to help prevent diseases in others.  Here, you can learn about our approach to clinical studies, how we work with doctors and you throughout this process, and why we believe it is important we have partners like you in our clinical studies to represent the patients who will benefit from these medicines.

What is a clinical study?

Clinical studies, sometimes called clinical trials, look at new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. We conduct clinical studies to determine whether new medicines or vaccines work and are safe for people. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) must approve clinical studies before they can start, and, based on the clinical study data, the FDA must approve medicines and vaccines before they become available to the public.

What is GSK’s approach to clinical studies?

GSK values are Patient focus, Integrity, Respect for People, and Transparency. These values guide everything we do.  For clinical studies, we:

• Take part in discussions on research practices
• Work with academic scientists, government, and others to ensure safety for patients
• Release the results of all our clinical studies

What should I expect in a GSK clinical study?

In our clinical studies, you will work with doctors, nurses, and coordinators. They will all guide you, support you, listen, and share information. They will be clear about how the process works and how much of your time is required. They will also check in with you regularly to ask questions and see how you are doing.

We believe the safety of partners like you comes first. The government strictly monitors and regulates all clinical studies. GSK also has its own Global Safety Board that oversees our clinical studies.

Those who take part in clinical studies must voluntarily confirm they are willing to participate, after being informed about the study and its benefits and risks. Your healthcare provider will explain the following to you:

• Clinical study’s purpose; treatment procedures; length of study; person to contact for further information about the study
• Any new information discovered about the study medicine/vaccine during the clinical study
• Potential benefits and risks
• Alternatives to study participation including available treatments and their potential benefits and risks
• How confidentiality is maintained and who will have access to the records for verification of the clinical study procedures and data
• Participants’ rights – including the right to not participate or end participation at any time

It takes all of us working together to make a difference. You will be part of our team, and we want you to have a positive experience. Together, we can make big impact on patients who could benefit from the medicine or vaccine we are studying.

How can I find a clinical study?

First, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she may know about clinical studies in your area. Your healthcare provider can tell you about clinical studies that may be right you.

 There are also resources online where you can find information:

GSK clinical studies: Searchable database for GSK clinical studies

ClinicalTrials.gov: Searchable database for clinical studies around the world

National Cancer Institute: Complete cancer site with searchable database for clinical studies

National Institutes of Health – General information about clinical studies and links to searchable databases