The Learning Center
Explore this blog to learn how clinical research helps improve lives for millions worldwide, and how you can get involved.
You may have seen the term “Long COVID” in headlines over the past year or two. While lingering or delayed effects from a viral infection may seem like a new discovery, evidence suggests that some viruses can lay dormant in a body for years before triggering other symptoms later. What is Viral Latency? When … Read more
How did you first hear about Meridian? I saw a notice hanging in my doctor’s office. My first experience was in a COVID-19 vaccine study. I also participated in two booster vaccine studies, as well. Why did you choose to participate in a research study? COVID-19 was a nightmare and I wanted to participate … Read more
What led you to participate in a research study? I saw a roadside poster near the university in my neighborhood [for a vaccine study] and called Meridian. My first experience was in the Phase 3 trial for [one of the] COVID-19 vaccines. Subsequently, Meridian called me to see if I would participate in the … Read more
What is Influenza (Flu)? Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses. “The flu” and “influenza” are generally used as umbrella terms for four subtypes of the influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are the most common in humans, with Influenza A generally being the … Read more
Featuring Commentary by Dr. Brandon Essink, Chief Medical Officer at Meridian Monkeypox has made headlines lately as a new outbreak is steadily growing in the United States. In this article we’ll answer common questions about the virus and the vaccine intended to prevent infection with the help of Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Meridian’s Chief … Read more
What led you to participate in a research study? I joined the COVID-19 vaccine trial because of what it was. We needed to bring this vaccine to market right away because it was so devastating and spreading fast. I was enticed by the opportunity to participate, be part of medical history, and to get … Read more
Clinical trials are research studies of medications, vaccines, medical devices, procedures, diagnostics (tests), and other health-related products. These studies involve participants (also known as patients, volunteers, or subjects) to determine whether certain experimental products are safer and/or more effective than currently approved products. Without clinical trials, it would be impossible to develop new medicines, … Read more
What is a Principal Investigator? A principal investigator (PI) is the person responsible for overseeing a clinical trial, research grant, or other sponsored research project. In clinical trials, also known as medical studies, principal investigators generally are physicians that carry out the study plan, known as the clinical trial protocol. The principal investigator also … Read more
What is a Respiratory Infection? Respiratory infections affect the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat, airways, and lungs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, but tend to present similar symptoms, such as a cough, congestion or runny nose, and fatigue. Because the symptoms are so similar among different types of … Read more
What is Eczema? Atopic dermatitis (AD), better known as eczema, is a condition in which red (or on darker skin tones, sometimes brown or purple), itchy patches of skin flare up on various parts of the body. As a chronic condition, eczema tends to flare periodically, sometimes coupled with asthma and/or hay fever. According … Read more
Find a Study
When people like you participate in a clinical trial, we can uncover better ways to treat conditions that may affect you and your loved ones. Sign up for more information about clinical trials near you: mcrmed.com/find-study