How can we help you?

Eligibility depends on age, general health, and additional criteria that vary from study to study. A concise overview of these inclusion and exclusion criteria can be found on each individual study page on our website. During a screening consultation, a qualified physician will conduct a thorough assessment together with you to determine whether participation is both safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Every participant is personally guided by our dedicated team of physicians and study leads. Questions are always welcome, and support is provided at every stage of the process, ensuring that you feel at ease and well-informed throughout your participation.

For more information about our working methods, please visit Our approach

1. Register via a study you would like to participate in. You will then receive an e-mail containing a few preliminary questions to help us better understand your situation. Once a study is identified for which you may be eligible, you will be contacted by phone and a screening consultation will be scheduled.
2. During the screening consultation with our physician, a thorough clinical assessment will be conducted together with you to determine whether participation is safe and appropriate. The study protocol, objectives, and any relevant procedures will also be clearly explained at this stage.
3. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will begin your participation under the close guidance of our team. Depending on the study, this may include a treatment period, scheduled study visits, and structured follow-up consultations.

• Personalised guidance from qualified physicians and clinical researchers
• Structured medical monitoring and follow-up throughout the duration of the study
• Access to investigational treatments not yet available through standard care
• A meaningful contribution to advancing medical research that may benefit future patients

A placebo is a treatment without an active substance that looks identical to the real treatment (for example, a sugar pill or a saline injection).

Why is it used?

In clinical research, the test group (study treatment) is compared with the placebo group to determine whether the medication truly works. This is necessary because:

• The placebo effect exists: people sometimes feel better simply because they believe they are receiving treatment.
• It ensures a fair comparison between groups.

Important terms:

Single-blind study – the participant does not know whether they are receiving the study treatment or a placebo.

Double-blind study – neither the participant nor the researcher knows who receives which treatment. This is considered the gold standard.

Placebo-controlled study – a study in which the placebo group serves as the control group.

Example: In a study of a new painkiller, Group A receives the study medication, while Group B receives an identical-looking sugar pill. If Group A reports significantly less pain than Group B, the medication is considered proven effective.

The development of new medicines follows a structured, stepwise process across distinct clinical phases. Within such a programme, participants may be invited to join a specific clinical study that is being conducted at that time.

• Phase I study: Conducted in a small group of healthy volunteers or selected patients, with the primary objective of evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacological profile of an investigational treatment.
• Phase II study: Involving hundreds of participants, with the aim of further investigating the initial clinical efficacy and potential adverse effects of the treatment.
• Phase III study: Conducted in larger patient populations, in which the investigational treatment is rigorously compared with existing standard treatments or a placebo to establish its clinical benefit.
• Phase IV study: Conducted following regulatory approval and market authorisation, with the objective of further monitoring the long-term effects, safety, and effectiveness of the treatment in everyday clinical practice.

At ANIMA Research, we primarily conduct Phase I, II, and III studies.

During this personal consultation with a qualified physician, your medical history, current medication, and any questions you may have are carefully reviewed and discussed. Together, a thorough clinical assessment is conducted to determine whether participation is both appropriate and safe for your individual situation. The study protocol and procedures are also explained in clear and accessible language, ensuring that you are fully informed before making any decision.

A clinical study is a rigorously conducted scientific investigation in which investigational treatments are systematically evaluated in human participants. The primary objective is to assess the safety, tolerability, and potential clinical effects of a treatment, providing researchers with the evidence needed to better understand its mechanism of action and its practical application in a medical setting.

The data collected throughout the study is systematically analysed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the investigational treatment. The findings contribute directly to the scientific evidence base, supporting researchers in the further development and refinement of new therapies. Where possible, participants are informed of the study outcomes and receive personalised feedback relevant to their individual participation.

As the study investigates an investigational treatment, no specific therapeutic effect or clinical outcome can be guaranteed. Depending on the study design, participants may be assigned to receive a placebo as part of the randomisation process. Adverse effects are possible; however, all procedures are rigorously monitored by qualified physicians and clinical researchers throughout the duration of the study. Any potential risks associated with participation are thoroughly explained in advance as part of the informed consent procedure.

Yes, every participant is covered by a legally mandated no-fault insurance policy. This ensures that any harm or adverse event occurring in the context of the study is eligible for compensation, regardless of whether a medical error has been made.

Yes, participation is entirely voluntary. Every participant has the right to withdraw from the study at any time, without any consequences for their ongoing medical care or treatment.

Yes, all studies offer financial compensation for your time and reimbursement of travel costs incurred during participation. The exact details and applicable amounts will be discussed and clarified during the screening consultation.

The informed consent form contains comprehensive information about the study, including the study protocol, potential risks and benefits, your rights as a participant, and any obligations associated with participation. Your signature is obtained only once you have been fully informed, all your questions have been answered, and you have freely agreed to take part in the study.

• Participation is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw from the study at any time without consequence
• You have the right to receive clear, comprehensive information and dedicated medical support throughout the duration of your participation
• You are required to provide accurate and complete information regarding your medical history and current health status, and to adhere to the study protocol as outlined by the clinical team

All personal data is processed in strict confidence and in full accordance with applicable privacy legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your data is used exclusively for the research purposes for which your informed consent has been obtained and will not be shared without a legal or ethical basis.

Prior to any sharing of research data with the sponsor, all data is fully anonymised to ensure that it can no longer be traced back to you as an individual participant.

Yes, you retain full control over the information you provide. All data is processed exclusively within the scope of the study and in strict accordance with the agreements set out in the informed consent form, ensuring that your personal information is handled with the utmost care and transparency.

No, your personal data will not be shared with any third parties without a valid legal or ethical authorisation. All data handling is conducted in strict accordance with applicable privacy legislation and the agreements outlined in the informed consent form.