WHAT IS A CLINICAL STUDY?


Un estudio clínico es una etapa fundamental en el desarrollo de nuevos medicamentos, vacunas y dispositivos médicos. Gracias a estos estudios es posible comprobar que sean seguros y efectivos antes de que estén disponibles para la población. 

El proceso comienza con investigaciones en laboratorio (fase preclínica) y continúa con estudios en personas voluntarias, siguiendo estrictos estándares internacionales de Buenas Prácticas Clínicas (GCP). 

En cada etapa, la prioridad es proteger los derechos, la seguridad y el bienestar de quienes participan voluntariamente en la investigación.  

En el caso de las vacunas, los estudios clínicos permiten evaluar la respuesta inmunológica que generan, así como recopilar evidencia sobre su eficacia y su perfil de seguridad en las diferentes fases de la investigación. Cada fase aporta información científica que permite comprender mejor el desempeño de la vacuna y responder a las preguntas propias de esa etapa del estudio.Un estudio clínico es una etapa fundamental en el desarrollo de nuevos medicamentos y vacunas. Gracias a estos estudios es posible comprobar que sean seguros y efectivos antes de que estén disponibles para la población. 

 

 

Clinical Investigation Phases

Phase 1


Se evalúa por primera vez el medicamento o la vacuna en personas para comprobar su seguridad y determinar la dosis adecuada. 

Phase 2



Se amplía el número de participantes para seguir evaluando su seguridad y conocer qué tan efectivo es el tratamiento. 

 

Fase 3



Participan muchas más personas, incluso en diferentes países, para comparar el nuevo tratamiento con los existentes y confirmar su seguridad y eficacia.

Phase 4


Una vez aprobado por las autoridades de salud, el medicamento o la vacuna continúa en seguimiento para conocer su comportamiento a largo plazo y seguir garantizando su seguridad. 

 

 

10 YEARS TRANSFORMING  GLOBAL HEALTH

Desde hace más de una década, en CEVAXIN contribuimos al desarrollo de estudios clínicos que ayudan a mejorar la prevención y el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades. Con cinco sedes en Panamá, hemos participado en investigaciones sobre influenza, dengue, COVID-19, virus sincicial respiratorio, poliomielitis, hepatitis A, meningitis, tosferina y muchas otras que han aportado evidencia científica para el cuidado de la salud. 

 
 



Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical study?

It is part of the research process that allows the evaluation of drugs, devices or vaccines.  Depending on the phase of the research (in the case of vaccines), the immune response, efficacy and safety can be evaluated (the objective of each research can be different and specific).  The studies are a thorough process that allows the advancement of Medicine and Science in general.

Duration depends on each study. There may be cases that last a few weeks and others that could last several years. The period is determined by the protocol and the objectives of the investigation.

Quality data recording and confidentiality are a priority in clinical investigation, given the learning that this represents for the advancement of science and the potential positive, life-saving impact of the investigation results.

In Panama, there is a dynamic relationship between health authorities and ethics committees to submit for approval the protocols of the studies to be carried out in the population. This synergy allows, in addition to the formalization of research, to make alternatives to primary health care available to the people. The ICH-GCP guidelines also govern all human research and seek to protect the rights, safety and well-being of subjects through the guidelines they provide, and which must be complied with when conducting studies.  

The studies generate data on vaccines and drugs under investigation. With the data obtained, decision-making processes are facilitated to make public policies, such as introducing a vaccine in a country's scheme and improving people's health. 

This translates into saving lives, avoiding hospitalizations and optimizing the use of resources. In addition, through clinical research, humanity builds learning to combat diseases that can be prevented by vaccination or drugs.  

This allows each generation of investigators to leave a legacy for present and future generations.

Our sites have clinical care teams, medical specialists depending on the type of research and participant follow-up needed, laboratories, pharmacy, research documentation and vaccination areas (including equipment for vaccine and samples storage).

CEVAXIN is a research center in Panama that provides services for the implementation and conduct of clinical, epidemiology and public health studies providing innovative solutions and quality processes to achieve high-quality data and results for trials. Adherence and recruitment rates are very competitive compared to other centers. CEAXIN adapts to sponsors' and studies needs and enables the care of many subjects through our site network.

Be involved in the growth of research as an engine of development in the country to facilitate the participation and speed of research and science development, always ensuring data quality.


 

Facts and Myths

Clinical studies are only for sick patients

This always depends on the type of research; there are times when the study investigates a specific condition of a participant; other times, the studies evaluate, for example, the protection that can be given to a healthy participant to prevent certain diseases (just as an example). This is important because vaccine research is almost always done with healthy people as a prevention strategy.