At Lilly, we want to continue developing and making medicines to help people of all ages, including children and young people living with different medical conditions. If you are considering a clinical trial as a care option for a young person, it’s important to have access to information that will help you make an informed decision. By taking part in a clinical research study, your child can help to make a difference. Click here to view pediatric trials.
A pediatric clinical trial is a research study that tests a medicine or therapy. Clinical trials are also called clinical studies, or clinical research studies. Pediatric clinical trials can include children of all ages, from birth up to the age of 18 years.
Clinical research helps us answer questions about the medicine or therapy being studied, like does the medicine or therapy work? and is it safe?
The path to developing a new medicine or therapy is a long journey that can have stops and starts along the way. Different trials can follow different processes and can vary in length. However, the research team will make sure the medicine or therapy is thoroughly tested during all stages of the clinical trial.
This booklet is designed for young people aged 12 to 17 years. It can also be used by adults who want to learn about clinical research studies, or adults can use it as a resource to help children. It contains key clinical trial information, including why clinical research is important, what is involved, and how to sign up. Click here to read the booklet.
Clinical trials for children and young people are designed to:
Before deciding if a clinical trial is a good option for you or your child, it’s important to learn more about clinical trials, including risks and benefits. You can read about clinical trial journeys below and find some more helpful general information on our Clinical Trial Information page.
What to Expect - Before the Trial
Informed Consent and Assent
Before you and your child decide if participation in a clinical trial is the best option, you will spend time with the study team. You will have the opportunity to review possible risks and benefits and ask any questions you or your child may have about the trial. This process is called informed consent:
You can learn more about the basics of clinical trials, including who can participate, why people participate and who is involved in the ‘Understanding Clinical Trials’ information sheet.
Lifestyle Impact
Before your child begins a clinical trial, you will need to consider the potential impact it may have on your family’s lifestyle. Your child being a trial participant may require:
What to Expect - During the Trial
Questions to Ask the Study Team
The Study Team will be there to answer all of your questions and communicate with you and your child throughout the clinical trial. Below are some questions you might want to ask. You can also download the Clinical Trial Questions in a printable format.
Lilly carries out research for different medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, immune system conditions and pain. Click the arrows or swipe to see the four different research areas.
Want to learn more about clinical trials for children and young people? Maybe you’ve wondered why scientists need clinical trials, how they work, and what happens if you join one? Watch the cartoons below to find out more!
In this section you will find resources for parents, guardians, children and young people who want to learn more about clinical trials. Children and young people may need the help of an adult to understand some of these resources.
