Ethics in Clinical Trials
Access to Investigational Medicines
Investigational medicines are treatments that have not yet been approved by regulatory agencies. Patients can receive them by joining a clinical trial or, in exceptional cases, when a doctor requests single‑patient access on their behalf.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new medicines or treatments to determine whether they are safe and effective.
They are conducted in defined phases and play an essential role in developing new medicines for patients who need them.
Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary, and each study is designed to protect participants’ safety, rights, and well-being.
How patients can access investigational medicines
1. Join a clinical trial
- Patients may receive investigational medicines as part of a Bayer‑sponsored research study.
- Trials have specific eligibility criteria and study procedures; talk to your doctor to learn whether a suitable trial exists.
2. Single‑patient access (compassionate use)
- Patients may receive investigational medicines as part of a Bayer‑sponsored research study.
- In rare cases where no approved treatments are available or effective, a doctor can request access to an investigational medicine for a patient with a severe or life‑threatening condition.
- These requests are carefully reviewed to ensure safety and legal compliance.
- Doctors must make the request; patients cannot apply directly.
What to expect
- Decisions prioritize patient safety and confidentiality.
- Each request or trial participation follows strict review and oversight procedures.
- Bayer responds to physician requests and maintains patient privacy throughout the process.
Find a trial
- Use the Bayer Clinical Trials Finder to search for recruiting trials by condition, view study details, and learn about participation criteria.
- If you’re interested, speak with your doctor to review eligibility and next steps.