Legal preparedness and Ebola vaccines.

As public research grants for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have diminished and become increasingly competitive, researchers have to search for alternative funding sources. Crowdfunding, in which projects are funded directly from the public through the internet, might represent a potential source of RCT funding. However, whether or not crowdfunding campaigns for clinical RCTs are successful is unclear. To explore the success of research crowdfunding campaigns, we assessed the top online (based on site volume) English crowdfunding websites: Gofundme, Indiegogo, Kickstarter, Teespring, Patreon, YouCaring, CrowdRise, DonorsChoose, Kiva, and Giveforward. Additionally, we examined medical research crowdfunding websites: Experiment, Consano, Petridish, and Cancer Research UK. We (AS and JK) independently searched these crowdfunding websites using the following search terms: ”clinical study”, ”randomized clinical trial”, and ”research”. We also independently established whether a campaign met our eligibility criteria of funding for a clinical RCT that was led by an academic or research institution. A consensus process to resolve disagreements was established. 20 campaigns met our eligibility criteria (Cohen’s κ=0·88; appendix). Eight (62%) of 13 completed campaigns achieved their fundraising goals. Unsuccessful campaigns raised 1–6% of the funding sought. Five (63%) of eight campaigns that reached their funding goals were for pilot or phase 1 studies. 19 (95%) of 20 campaigns used a fl exible model (ie, researchers kept all the funds raised) compared with a fi xed model (ie, researchers kept the money only if the target was met). The maximum funds raised were US$3 113 000 (£2 000 000) for the Oncolytic Virus for Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumours study. Although details were restricted, most research projects seemed to have had some funding from other sources. Our research suggests that most crowdfunding campaign funding targets are achieved. Crowdfunding might represent an eff ective option to rapidly raise research funds to do RCTs. Even unsuccessful campaigns were able to raise some funds, albeit a small percentage of their target goal. This strategy might be especially useful for pilot or phase 1 studies because funding from national public agencies is insuffi cient. Further research with crowdfunding is needed to establish strategies that maximise the likelihood of success.