If clinical trials are to be representative of our nation's diverse population, sponsors must recognize and provide for the unique needs of each group. It seems to me that pre-payment, or at the very least, prompt reimbursement (1 week) for all trial- related expenses, should be required. This becomes all the more essential when something goes very wrong and expenses quickly reach astronomical proportions.

Along these same lines, trial sponsors should also foot the bill for participants' caregivers' food, lodging, and travel expenses. Recruiting people with advanced or end stage PD is already difficult without making it more so.

sheryl