Our Research

We specialize in conducting pharmaceutical and natural health product clinical trials



Because of your participation, we can support the health and wellness industry by testing the safety and efficacy of innovative products. Clinical trials may assist with companies getting new health claims or supporting existing health claims.

Types of studies we conduct:



Phases of a Clinical Trial

Phase I

These trials test a product on a small group of people for the first time. The purpose is to:

  • look at the product's safety 
  • find out the safe dosage range
  • see if there are any side effects

Our most recent Phase I trial investigated the product Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) to assess the safety and efficacy of this herbal product on healthy individuals.

Phase II

In phase II trials, a drug is given to a larger group of people (usually 100 or more) to:

- gather data on how well the drug works to treat a disease or condition

- check the drug's safety on a wider range of people

- figure out the best dose

Apex Trials has conducted multiple Phase II Clinical Trials. We are currently conduct a Phase II Trial on Muno-IgYTM on minimizing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) (such as the common cold) in healthy adults over a 12-week period during cold and flu season. 

Phase III

In this phase, the drug is given to even larger groups of people (usually 1,000 or more) to:

  • make sure it is still effective
  • monitor side effects
  • compare it to commonly used treatments
  • collect information about the drug that will allow it to be used safely on the market

Check our website to stay updated on future Phase III Clinical Trials at the Apex Trials Site. 

Phase IV

These trials take place after the drug is approved and is on the market. Information is gathered on things like the best way to use a drug and the long-term benefits and risks. 

We have conducted multiple phase IV clinical trials at Apex Trials including the DDrops study where we assessed the effect of Colddrops® on mild to moderate nasal congestion.

Your Participation Helps us Study and/or Substantiate (prove) Pharmaceuticals (Drugs) and Natural Health Products



Drug vs Natural Health Product

A drug is any substance or mixture such as prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals sold for use in:

  • restoring, correcting or modifying organic functions
  • diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease
  • disinfection in premises in which food is manufactured, prepared or kept

Examples: antibiotics, vaccines, pain medications, statins, blood pressure medications

A Natural Health Product (NHP) is any naturally occurring substance that is sold for use in:

  • restoring, correcting or modifying organic functions in a manner that maintains or promotes good health
  • diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a diseases

Examples: probiotics, vitamins, herbal products, amino and essential fatty acids etc.



How are they regulated?

In Canada, research on prescription, non-prescription and natural health products is regulated and overseen by Health Canada.  Researchers must comply with international, federal and local regulations and are subject to inspections from Health Canada to ensure trials are conducted in the manner approved to ensure participant’s rights, safety and well-being. 

The Importance of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials help advance scientific and medical knowledge. With every study conducted in human participants, researchers are closer to determining if a drug or natural health product is safe and effective for people.

As part of licensing, companies may need clinical studies to show the safety and efficacy of a drug or NHP. These clinical studies are overseen by Health Canada as well as an independent Research Ethics Board (REB).

Your Participation Helps Us Move Science Forward

We aim to support the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness industries. Conducting clinical trials helps us to substantiate claims and improve product safety information. The people who take part in clinical trials are vital. Without volunteers clinical research would simply not progress. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer participant?

Join a Study