Phase 1 clinical trials play a decisive role in the development of new drugs and treatments.
These trials are designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a new drug in humans in a very early stage of clinical development.
In this article you will learn about:
They are typically conducted in specialized facilities known as phase 1 clinical trial units.
In this article, we will explain the essential aspects of phase 1 clinical trial units, their importance, capabilities, and the need for hiring their services at affordable prices.
At the same time, we will provide information about the phase 1 unit that Sofpromed offers to biotech and pharma companies, which is located in Madrid (Spain).
What is a Phase 1 Clinical Trial Unit?
A phase 1 clinical trial unit is a specialized facility where phase 1 clinical trials are conducted.
These units are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and staffed by highly trained professionals who specialize in early-phase clinical research.
The primary objective of a phase 1 unit is to ensure the safety and well-being of study participants while collecting essential data on the drug’s pharmacokinetics, dosage, and potential side effects.
The Importance of Phase 1 Clinical Trial Units
Phase 1 clinical trial units are very important in the drug development process.
They provide a controlled environment where the safety and efficacy of new drugs can be carefully evaluated.
By conducting these trials in a specialized unit, researchers can closely monitor study participants and collect accurate data on the drug’s effects.
This data is essential for determining the appropriate dosage, identifying potential risks, and informing further clinical development.
Services Provided by Phase 1 Clinical Trial Units
Phase 1 clinical trial units offer a range of services to support the successful conduct of early-phase clinical trials.
These services include:
- Participant Recruitment and Screening
Phase 1 units employ experienced recruitment teams who identify and screen potential study participants; either healthy volunteers or patients (depending on the study design).
They ensure that participants meet the necessary inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the study protocol.
- Pharmacokinetic Studies
Pharmacokinetic studies are a key component of phase 1 trials.
These studies evaluate how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates the drug.
Phase 1 units have specialized equipment and expertise to accurately measure drug levels in participants’ blood and other biological samples.
- Safety Monitoring
Safety is of utmost importance in phase 1 trials.
Phase 1 units have dedicated medical staff who closely monitor participants for any adverse reactions or side effects.
They conduct regular medical examinations, perform laboratory tests, and ensure prompt medical intervention if needed, in case of emergency.
- Dose Escalation Studies
Dose escalation studies are conducted to determine the highest safe dose of a drug.
Phase 1 units carefully design and execute these studies, gradually increasing the dosage in a controlled manner while closely monitoring participants for any signs of toxicity or adverse effects.
- Bioanalytical Services
Phase 1 units often have their own bioanalytical laboratories or collaborate with external partners to analyze and measure drug levels in biological samples.
These services are critical for assessing the pharmacokinetics of the drug and determining its effects on the body.
- Data Management and Analysis
Phase 1 units employ skilled data management and analysis teams to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.
These teams are responsible for organizing and analyzing the data collected during the trial, helping researchers draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions.
- Regulatory Compliance
Phase 1 units adhere to strict regulatory guidelines and ethical standards to ensure participant safety and data integrity.
They work closely with regulatory authorities and ethics committees to obtain the necessary approvals and maintain compliance throughout the trial.
The Need for an Affordable Phase 1 Unit
Emerging biotech companies developing new drugs may have the need of using phase 1 units at competitive prices.
The execution of phase 1 studies in certain countries —like the United States— can be expensive, and sometimes too costly for the available budget.
In these cases, sponsors may consider lower-cost phase 1 units located in other parts of the world yet maintaining high quality standards.
Sofpromed proposes a cost-effective clinic in Madrid (Spain), with extensive experience in running phase 1 studies with healthy volunteers and patients.
This phase 1 unit guarantees que highest standards of excellence, being fully equipped to handle all types of phase 1 studies.
Conclusion
Phase 1 clinical trial units are essential in the early-phase development of new drugs and treatments.
These specialized facilities provide a controlled environment for the safe and efficient conduct of phase 1 trials.
With their state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced staff, and comprehensive range of services, phase 1 units contribute significantly to advancing medical research and improving patient care.
Sofpromed is a European full-service CRO that provides access to a best-in-class phase 1 clinical trial unit in Spain, to ensure fast and compliant study execution at a very reasonable price.