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This week, the Board of the CTSF hopes to share some information with you on the progress that has been made in moving forward with Gene Therapy clinical trials for our kids......... we call it "Traveling Towards Treatment". That involves clinical trials, something that so many of you have helped us fund in our 11 year existence. So, it dawned on me that not everyone may know exactly what a clinical trial is. Never fear, for there are no dumb questions on this FB page!
New tests and treatments aren't offered to the public as soon as they're made. They need to be studied. A clinical trial is a type of research that studies a test or treatment given to people. Clinical trials study how safe and helpful tests and treatments are. When found to be safe and helpful, they may become tomorrow's standard of care. Clinical trials can study many things, such as:
Clinical trials are carefully designed, reviewed, and completed. The principal investigator is the person in charge of the trial. He or she is a scientist who's an expert in what the clinical trial is about. The principal investigator takes the lead in designing the clinical trial, choosing the research team, and carrying out the study. Often, other scientists, called investigators, are part of the research team.
Clinical trials need to be approved before they can start. Clinical trials need sponsors since they can't be done without money or other support. Sponsors often are government agencies, pharmaceutical (drug) companies, and non-profit organizations. Sponsors of the clinical trial review the research plan (also called protocol). Funding or other support is given by the sponsor once the research plan is approved.
Clinical trials also need approval from an IRB (Institutional Review Board). An IRB is a group of people chosen by the health care center where patients will be enrolled into a clinical trial. Each IRB include five members. These members must include a scientist, someone who's not a scientist, and someone who's not from the health care center. The IRB reviews the research plan to make sure the rights and welfare of patients are protected. After the trial has started, the IRB reviews its progress at least every year.
What each clinical trial has to offer to patients differs. However, there are four general benefits. First, you'll have access to the most current care. Second, you will be treated by experts. Third, the results of your treatment-both good and bad-are carefully tracked. Fourth, you may help other patients with Tay-Sachs.
Clinical trials have risks too. Like any test or treatment, there may be side effects. Also, new tests or treatments may not work as good as or better than the one now in use. Trips to the treating hospital may be frequent and expensive.
Stay tuned for specific information that applies to the work you have been helping us fund..... and be excited for the possibilities!
The Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation is very grateful you decided to donate and we thank you for your generosity. Your donation will be used to support research to find a cure for Tay-Sachs disease.
The Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making this gift tax deductible to the fullest extend permitted by law.
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