Completing a clinical trial is an achievement, both for you personally and for medical science. But many participants wonder what happens next: Will I be told the results? Will I be able to access the treatment? What happens to my data?
What Happens to You After the Trial
Long-term follow-up: Some studies include a follow-up period after the main study ends. You may be asked to attend additional visits at 3, 6, or 12 months post-treatment to monitor long-term effects.
Return to standard care: Once the study ends, your ongoing medical care returns to your regular physician. If you developed a condition requiring treatment during the study, the research team will ensure you have appropriate follow-up before you leave.
Access to the study drug: In some trials, particularly those where a new drug shows strong benefit, sponsors offer compassionate use or open-label extension programs that allow participants to continue receiving the treatment after the trial ends.
What Happens to the Data
Your individual data is anonymized and merged with data from all other participants. The collective dataset is analyzed and submitted to the FDA (if seeking approval) or published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Your identity is never disclosed in publications. You may be represented by a participant number or anonymous demographic description.
Will You Learn the Results?
You have the right to know the overall results of the study once they are available. Some sponsors notify participants directly; results are also posted on ClinicalTrials.gov within one year of study completion for most FDA-regulated trials.
Your Contribution
Every visit you completed, every blood draw, every questionnaire, that is all part of the body of evidence that will determine whether a new treatment reaches patients. Thank you for participating.
Browse our active studies to find a trial that is right for you today.