About clinical trials

The Pfizer Clinical Research Unit (PCRU) is located in New Haven, Connecticut. Pfizer runs many of its phase 1 clinical trials involving healthy volunteers at this facility.

To learn more about the PCRU in New Haven, click Learn More. You may also find phase 1 clinical trials at other locations by using our Find a Trial search.

To explore clinical trials happening at the PCRU in New Haven, CT, click Learn More. You may click on a study that interests you and submit the volunteering form at the bottom of the study’s webpage.

You may also call 800-254-6398 or click here to see if you may qualify for our research unit’s ongoing clinical trials. All studies have eligibility criteria that you must meet in order to participate. Our recruitment staff will identify what study or studies you might be eligible for. 

Healthy volunteers in these clinical trials help us understand how a study drug affects the body before people with the condition are included. This is one way to assess a study drug’s safety before giving it to those who have a medical condition.

The screening visit is a key step to joining a clinical trial. At this visit, you will review the informed consent document with members of the study team at the PCRU. The informed consent document describes the details of the clinical trial, including what your rights and responsibilities would be as a participant, and any potential risks, so that you can decide whether you’d like to participate. The study team will answer any questions you may have.

If you decide to participate, you will sign the informed consent document and then undergo study-required tests, procedures, or assessments to confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the study. These may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (a test that uses sensors attached to the skin to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity), and vital signs.

A typical clinical trial at the New Haven PCRU may have busy days with lots of study procedures, as well as rest days with lots of downtime.

For a typical clinical trial at this facility, your busy day will likely start with an overnight fast. You’ll likely wake up early in the morning for pre-dose activities, which could include an electrocardiogram (a test that uses sensors attached to the skin to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity), vital signs, and a blood draw. The study doctor will review your results to confirm you may receive the study drug. Staff will administer your dose according to the study requirements — it could be a tablet or capsule by mouth, a liquid that you drink, an injection, a treatment applied to the skin, or other forms. After that, you’ll likely have procedures throughout the day and into the evening, such as blood draws and safety assessments, meals, and monitoring by the staff to see how you’re feeling.

On rest days, you might have a few morning procedures, but when you are not busy with study activities, you can enjoy free time within the research unit. Within the location you’ll have access to internet, a large relaxation and reading area, and a multimedia room for entertainment. There’s also a terrace available for fresh air.

Each clinical study has its own requirements, so the answer to this depends on the study you are participating in. A participant may be required to stay overnight at the PCRU in New Haven, CT, for observation and study procedures. These details are provided in the informed consent document. You may also ask the study team any questions you may have.

Participants in clinical trials at the PCRU receive financial compensation for their participation. The amount depends on factors like length of the stay, total number of study visits, and the nature of the study procedures.

Additional measures have been implemented to protect our clinical trial participants and our team from COVID-19. You will have a temperature check and rapid response COVID-19 test upon entry into our facility. We’ve also implemented mandatory mask use and signage to support physical distancing requirements in the unit. The unit has staffing at all hours and days of the week to clean and sanitize the facility.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provides a calculator that uses your height and weight to determine your BMI. To calculate your BMI, click Learn More.