Novum - Penn Avenue (job, health, university)

[NowACityGirl]

I was reading the City Paper and I keep reading about Novum paying all this money to people who stay in the facility for 2 nights, etc. but then me and my friend drove past and it didn't look like the kind of place I pictured it being. Has anyone been inside or done anything for them, and if so is the place safe/clean/etc.? I know the area isn't really the safest but I was just wondering. I know I tried to donate plasma one time at a place downtown and it was horribly dirty and I didn't even make it in to donate so I didn't know if this was kind of like that or not. Thanks for all replies, sorry if I don't make much sense, I try.

[Smily Gladshanks]

I did Novum two weekends for 600 dollars. It sucked, but it was 600 dollars. They did 30 blood draws!! It's ugly, but they are quite professional. It feels a bit like being in jail, but that's why they pay well. It's a good cause--they usually are proving that cheaper generic meds are as good as expensive name brands. If you get the study where they just test topical creams, you make out on the deal for sure. I suggest you look into it. Take something to read. You will be bored. Or get some friends involved, too.

[stasia]

I did a two-night topical medication study a few years ago. I think it paid $300. I understand it was much less of a stressful trial since there were no blood draws, and so they weren't at all strict about what you ate.

I was in college at the time, and so it was a quiet weekend to get some major schoolwork done. I wouldn't say it was particularly enjoyable ... it was more boring than anything else ... but it was EASY money. And, it also served as a fundraiser for a university club I was in at the time. See, once you complete a study there, you can refer people to Novum, and they'll pay you for the referrals! Even easier money.

[Smily Gladshanks]

and they will keep contacting you,,,so you can chose to participate later as studies come up, as it conveniences you.

[pitt_transplant]

Dont waste your body on being a lab rat. No offense to the people on here. But there is a reason you get paid to do something. I think its really important especially if you want to have children. Just think about how all those women who took BC that gave birth later to flipper babies. Think of all the "safe" medications that are pulled because health concerns show up later.

If you want 600 dollars just work for two weeks.

[NowACityGirl]

Originally Posted by pitt_transplant

If you want 600 dollars just work for two weeks.

Kind of rude if you ask me. I do work, thank you. I have a wonderful job. I was just curious about this place. Thanks for the enlightenment.

[pitt_transplant]

Im just being honest. You didnt state you had a job or anything of the sort. Im not psychic. I think you are rude to take something the wrong way and sling name calling when I am just speaking the truth about how to get 600 bucks and not have problems with your health. Whats your problem?

[PeterRabbit]

U. of Pitt has been using people as lab rats for years. My friend got $400 to chew stop smoking gum for a month.

[Smily Gladshanks]

Yeah, there are health risks. There are also several very strict phases of research that precede this guinea pig phase. You assess it in terms of how much risk you are willing to take. Pick a less risky study. As for the facility, it's run well. It's ugly,,,kind of like a gutted out Ames with bad tv and prison bunk beds. But it is run well.

[Smily Gladshanks]

Incidentallly, the "reason you get paid," is largely related to the opinion that this chap shared. People are understandably concerned, so you have to pay them--which is perhaps another commentary in itself. It's a valid opinion, but opinion is an estimation at best.