FOR PATIENTS
Living with a skin disease can be exhausting—physically and emotionally. Maybe past treatments didn’t help enough. Maybe insurance got in the way. Or maybe you’re ready for something different. We understand. Dermatology clinical trials can feel unfamiliar; our job is to make them clear, supportive, and safe so you can decide what’s right for you.
Who We Serve & Why We’re Trusted
Who Clinical Trials Are For
Our dermatology research welcomes adults and children, across all skin types and tones. People join when they want options beyond what they’ve tried, face insurance barriers, or want to help others. Caregivers are welcome, and we work with your schedule.
- Ages: pediatric through older adults
- Skin types: inclusive of all skin types
- Access: three Northeast Ohio sites; flexible appointments; no insurance required; compensation for time & travel
Why ACRC is Trusted
Part of Apex Skin’s 15-location clinic system, Apex Clinical Research Center was founded by Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD. Our team brings 30+ years of clinical trial experience and runs studies with the same care you’d expect in clinic.
- Dermatologist-led, full-time research teams
- Three dedicated research sites (Mayfield Heights, Canton, Lorain)
- On-site lab & pharmacy with standardized protocols for smooth visits
- Fast, accurate matching so you’re only offered studies that make sense for you
Here's a candid look at how a clinical trial fit into one patient’s life, interviewed by Fox 8’s Natalie Herbick.
What to Know Before You Decide
People join studies for many reasons—to explore options beyond what they’ve tried and the latest advancements in dermatology, avoid delays with insurance, or help improve care for others with the same condition. Whatever your reason, you’ll get straight answers, time to consider them, and a team that treats you like a person—not a case number. We’ll walk you through everything in plain language so you can make an informed choice.
- Purpose: why the study is being done and what it’s trying to learn
- Participation: treatment vs. assessments only; how medicine is given (cream, pill, injection, IV)
- Timing: how long the study lasts, how many visits, and about how long each visit takes
- Location: which site(s) you’d visit—Mayfield Heights, Canton, or Lorain
- Safety & support: possible risks, how we monitor you, who’s in charge of your care
- Your say: participation is always voluntary—what it means if you don’t join or choose to stop later
- Costs & compensation: no cost, no insurance required, compensation for time & travel
How Our Clinical Trials Work
Many people wonder what it actually feels like to take part in a trial at Apex Clinical Research Center.
Here’s the experience in simple steps.
This is the general process; each clinical trial is different. We’ll explain the specifics for your study (timeline, visits, and any treatments) before you decide.
1
Start with a conversation & quick prescreen
Reach out by form, phone, or email. A coordinator reviews basic criteria (age, diagnosis, medications) and answers your first questions—at your pace.
2
Private visit & informed consent
If a study looks like a fit, we invite you in (you can bring a support person). We talk through purpose, what participation involves, potential risks/benefits, and your rights. You can ask any question and decide in your own time—no rush and no pressure. A medical provider is available for clinical details.
3
Initial screening visit
To confirm safety and eligibility, we may review your medical history, check vitals, and complete labs or an EKG as needed. You’ll also see a dermatology provider for a skin exam. We explain each step before anything happens.
4
Study participation
Visits are scheduled around your life—even evenings or Saturdays. Depending on the study, you may use a cream, take a pill, receive an injection/IV, or complete assessments only. We collect information at each visit and keep you informed throughout.
5
Ongoing support between visits
Contact us anytime with questions or new symptoms. We listen, document, and help manage side effects, looping in your provider as needed.
6
Completion & next steps
We review how things went and what comes next. With your permission, we can share information with your dermatologist, so your care continues smoothly.
Your Rights at Every Step
- Participation is always voluntary—you can stop anytime.
- You receive plain-language information and a copy of anything you sign.
- A dermatology provider is available for medical questions.
Want a deeper dive? Read our blog: What to Expect When You Join a Clinical Trial
Costs, Compensation & Travel (what to expect)
- No cost to you. All study-related visits, exams, lab tests, and treatments are covered—typically including EKG, bloodwork, skin assessments, imaging, physical exams, urinalysis, and more.
- No insurance required. Your insurance is not billed.
- Compensation provided. Most studies include stipends for time and travel. Amounts vary by study and visit and are not tied to whether treatment works. Stipends are loaded by our staff onto a reloadable debit card.
- Getting to visits. Many studies cover rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and/or offer mileage reimbursement if you drive yourself. Ask about travel assistance.
- Made for busy schedules. Evening and Saturday hours and three convenient sites (Mayfield Heights, Canton, Lorain) make participation easier .