Advancing care through research participation
Shepherd Center conducts U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of investigational drugs, devices, and procedures. These studies help shape the future of neurological care while offering patients access to emerging therapies that are not yet available to the public.
Why participate in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials offer hope when standard treatments are limited or ineffective. Volunteers may receive investigational therapies under expert medical supervision, contributing to discoveries that improve care for spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and related conditions.
How clinical trials work at Shepherd Center
Each study is led by a qualified Shepherd Center physician, known as the Principal Investigator (PI), and supported by a dedicated clinical trials team. Our team manages every phase of the trial — from protocol setup and patient recruitment to data collection and study close-out — ensuring scientific integrity and patient safety.
Volunteer safety and oversight
Before any trial begins, it is reviewed and approved by the Shepherd Research Review Committee. This independent group of scientists, clinicians, and community members ensures that:
- Participant rights and safety are protected
- Risks are monitored throughout the study
- All regulatory standards are met
Who sponsors our trials?
Clinical trials are sponsored by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as physician-investigators. These partnerships help bring promising therapies to the people who need them most.
Volunteer opportunities
Joining a clinical trial is a personal health decision. We encourage you to:
- Talk with your healthcare provider.
- Discuss options with your family.
- Explore studies that may be right for your condition.
Our research volunteers are seen regularly by the physician investigator and research team to monitor health outcomes and ensure safety.
