The FDA allows for charging for investigational products used in clinical research under certain circumstances. The federal regulations also state that participants should be informed of any additional costs that may result from participation in research. Recent “research studies” are using this guidance as a loophole to charge participants for studies that may not create generalizable knowledge. Ms. Oeser will review the ethical issues involved in recent pay-to-participate “research studies” and how these may violate the pillars of respect of persons, beneficence, and justice.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss concrete tactics that can be used to prevent "firefighting" when project-managing clinical trials.