Those in perfect health may not be the first to volunteer to take part in drug and vaccine trials, but an early-stage clinical treatment trial centre at the University of Hong Kong is hoping they will overcome any fear of side effects to help with potentially life-saving research.
The centre, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, has completed three trials of new drugs for lung cancer and hepatitis B and C since its launch in the middle of last year, and is asking more volunteers to come forward.
Four trials of treatments for cancers and hepatitis are currently ongoing and 12 are planned for cancers, hepatitis, allergies, diabetes and influenza.
The centre has recruited 75 volunteers - about half of whom are healthy - for tests so far.
Dr Tommy Cheung Tsang, deputy medical director at the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, said the centre could not guarantee participants would completely avoid side effects, but strict monitoring and safety measures ensure volunteers are at minimum risk.
"The effects of a drug will be reflected more accurately in healthy people because their organs and bodies will function more normally," Cheung said.