Atlantia Clinical Trials Streamlines Safe Product Development

Every year, thousands of new medications and supplements are launched in the field of health care. Before they become available on the public market, they have to undergo intense clinical trials to make sure they are safe for consumers. While many companies handle complex pharmaceuticals, Atlantia Clinical Trials stands apart with their focus on alternative and preventive therapy. Cian O’Mahoney, the company’s recruitment and marketing manager, says that Atlantia is a one-stop source for product development. “From budget to protocol, we provide solution-oriented data to ensure products are safe and effective for consumers,” he says. 

Atlantia launched in Ireland in 2012 and expanded to Chicago in 2019. They manage the trials from start to finish, so that businesses can have the whole process streamlined. “We develop and write up the study, find and screen participants, execute all necessary tests and compile data. We tailor the studies based on the client’s goal, and can help with proof of efficacy, substantiate a health claim or simply to gather clinical evidence to support their sales and marketing,” O’Mahoney explains. 

Atlantia has conducted more than 200 clinical trials, using feedback from more than 30,000 study participants. The international team includes doctors, nurses, lab technicians and research analysts to help with the smooth operation of trials, as well as customer service experts to ensure that participants have a comfortable and seamless experience. “We want to make this a rewarding process for everyone involved,” says O’Mahoney. 

While the areas of study vary, they largely focus on alternative treatments and preventive health. “We test a lot of prebiotics, probiotics, nutraceuticals and supplements that help with improving people’s quality of life. Many of our products address issues with immunity, aging, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic health, skin and cognition. In addition to traditional supplements, we are seeing an increase in functional food and beverage options. Consumers are looking for more natural ways to alleviate their symptoms, and most would prefer taking raspberry leaf extract over a prescription medication if possible,” O’Mahoney points out. 

The company has seen a surge in studies involving issues with gut health, as advancements in gastrointestinal treatments have been made in recent years. “People are taking note of common but troublesome issues such as constipation, abdominal bloating and IBS, and understanding that proactive and preventive treatments can make a huge difference in their quality of life. Women’s health is also gaining popularity, with studies that look at menopause and the vaginal microbiome,” notes O’Mahoney. In addition to treatments, Atlantia also tests medical devices and works to find the delicate balance between innovation and compliance in new products. 

Study participants are reimbursed for their time and any expenses they incur. The scope of the studies vary greatly, as well as time investment. “Some studies are fully remote, with participants filling out surveys or mailing in stool or hair samples. For others, they come onsite to Atlantia’s clinic for in-person questionnaires and assessments—that would generally involve between two and six visits. A study that looks at mental health may take longer to gather data than one that addresses something more acute like constipation,” O’Mahoney remarks. 

While they generally look for a large range of participants, certain studies do have parameters. “Some products are targeted for specific age ranges. Others prohibit smokers or women who are pregnant. For some, participants need to have symptoms associated with a certain condition such as rosacea for a skin study or GI issues for a Crohn’s disease study,” says O’Mahoney. 

Atlantia also seeks out participants from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. “People from Asia have different microbiome makeup and immune systems than people from Europe, so we want to ensure we’re getting a broad sample,” O’Mahoney adds.

While trials are vital to ensure product safety, study participants also benefit from them. “Studies give us reflective evidence that a product is safe for the greater population. If we didn’t have that research, there wouldn’t be products on the shelf. Taking it a step further with real people gives us concrete data that can’t be duplicated in a laboratory setting. Moreover, participants are contributing to the advancement of science, as well as their own health knowledge. They can see that their participation has a tangible impact on society’s long-term health and wellness,” O’Mahoney stresses. 

Location: 142 E. Ontario St., Ste. 1200, Chicago. For more information, visit AtlantiaClinicalTrials.com. 

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.