In a recent article from Outsourcing-pharma.com, the Association of Clinical Research Organization (ACRO) is voicing their opinion on the misrepresentation of trial participants as test monkeys. The VP of ACRO, John Lewis made sure to note that research trial participants are by no means guinea pigs or test moneys, “they are in fact, medical heroes and without their contributions to science there would simply be no new medicines.” (Macdonald) Lewis mentioned the impact of media and television specifically on this topic. He shared how reality shows and other television dramas contribute to the negative undertone regarding trial participants. Furthermore, Lewis stated “participants should not be characterized as some kind of freak nor should every clinical trial result in some miracle cure.” In other words, Lewis would prefer a more accurate depiction of clinical trial participants on television because of the power media has to enlighten and impact its audience.
While ACRO cannot enumerate exactly how many potential clinical trial participants they have lost due to the damaging media influence on this topic, their concern is that “the cumulative effect of these negative images [is] piling up.” (Macdonald) Lewis also mentioned that the U.S. trial participation rate is less than 4 percent of the population. ACRO believes that with positive media messages, this number could rise.
To read the full article regarding ACRO from Outsourcing-pharma.com, click here.