FAQs

Clinical trials are an essential part of delivering effective, safe treatments, vaccines, and other interventions to cure and manage a range of diseases. They help us understand the effectiveness, correct dosage, safety, and behavior of drugs in the human body. Conducting trials also allows us to see how drugs interact with other existing therapies or identify the best way to administer them e.g. a pill versus a patch.

Every single medication that is developed has to pass through clinical trials. Without clinical trial participants, there would be no COVID-19 vaccines, no new cancer treatments, no cheaper versions of existing medication... so it's safe to say that as a participant, you play a vital role!

Whether you are 18 or 59, discovering the globe, studying, looking to couple your career with a cause or a grandparent looking to make a difference, we need you. Volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, genders and with a wide range of health profiles are essential to our studies. We will match you to trials based on your location (Melbourne, Brisbane or Minnesota) using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria included in the study protocol. Typically, you will only hear from us if you are likely to meet the requirements for that study.

Volunteering for a clinical trial is a great way to make a real difference for millions of people world-wide. It is also an opportunity to get paid to meet people from all over the world and learn more about health and clinical development. You’ll also receive a free comprehensive medical review as part of the trial screening process.

Nucleus Network reimburses all participants for their time. Payment varies depending on length of the trial.

Generally speaking you will be reimbursed $300 to $360 per day that you spend at the clinic. Based on the length of the study, this can quickly add up. We sometimes have studies that run for an entire month - you do the math!

Every trial is different, but typically you will receive one or more doses of the medication or vaccine that is being studied. You’ll then be closely monitored during your stay; staff will regularly check vital signs and conduct blood tests, physical exams or any other necessary medical tests. In all studies, some volunteers do not receive the study medication, but instead receive a placebo (a substance having no pharmacological effect but administered as a control).

There is always some risk involved when participating in clinical trials. As with any medication (or vaccine), side effects are always a possibility. However, with Nucleus Network you can be sure you are in safe hands; we’ve performed over 800 clinical trials across our clinics.

Our trials are conducted in the heart of world-standard medical precincts. You’ll be monitored every step of the way by a team of dedicated and experienced research nurses and medical doctors, with state-of-the art medical equipment.

Participant safety and well-being is always our priority. You’ll be provided with a detailed understanding of the study via an Informed Consent session before you decide whether you want to participate.

All our trials are conducted in compliance with international and Australian regulations and under approval by an ethics committee to ensure the well-being and safety of participants.

It depends on the study. Some of our shorter studies require you to stay for a short time (one to three nights), while longer studies can run for several weeks. You’ll be reimbursed according to the length of time you were required. To complete the study, you may then need to attend some short out-patient visits (usually 30-60 minutes).

While we have some vaccine studies that only require outpatient visits, we generally look for people who can stay at one of our clinics for at least 2 consecutive days & nights.

We have a variety of study schedules & dates, so you can definitely work around your job/studies/other commitments to participate in a clinical trial!

This is where you sit down with our doctors and ask as many questions as you like before consenting to the study. We will give you the Participant Information and Consent Form (PICF) that explains all you need to know about the study you are considering.

It details all potential risks and benefits as well as your rights and responsibilities. Before you participate you will be provided with all available information to inform your decision. At no point are you obligated to participate in the study.

Our doctors will be happy to answer your questions, including:

• What are the risks to me?
• What is the intended use of the drug?
• What kind of procedures will be carried out?

After the Informed Consent session, you will have a medical check to ensure you are in good health and meet the requirements of the study. We also need to confirm that you haven’t taken any recreational drugs and, in the case of female volunteers, are not pregnant.

Depending on the study there may be additional tests, but the medical review will normally include:

• Height & weight
• Vital signs
• Electrocardiogram
• Blood sample for blood test
• Urine sample for drugs of abuse test
• Alcohol breath test

It takes at least a couple of days to get your results back. They need to be reviewed by one of our Medical Officers and, if your results match the criteria for the study, you will be eligible to participate.

Our trials are conducted in facilities embedded in leading medical precincts in Brisbane, Melbourne and Minnesota.

Click here for locations and here to read more about our facilities.

We may be biased - but we would definitely say we are legit! Nucleus Network was established with Victorian Government funding in 2003. Since then we have expanded from 1 to 3 sites in Australia and the United States. We have conducted over 1,000 clinical trials throughout the years, and we have worked with some of the biggest names in the pharmaceutical industry.

Don't want to take our word for it? Here is what ABC, The Age and 9News have to say about us.

Nucleus Network was acquired by Crescent Capital Partners in 2018. This is an Australian private equity firm that invests in companies across Australia and New Zealand.

We are an Australian-owned company headquartered in Melbourne, where we have been active since 2003.