You’ve probably driven past the Glendale Adventist Medical Center a dozen times without realizing that some of the most advanced medical research in the world is happening right there on Chevy Chase Drive. It’s tucked away. Quiet. Honestly, if you aren't looking for Parexel International Glendale CA, you’d likely miss it entirely.
But for people living with treatment-resistant depression, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, this specific office isn't just a corporate satellite. It's a hub for "Phase I" trials. That’s the stage where science gets real. It is where human volunteers—both healthy folks and patients—first test out the medicines that might be in every pharmacy cabinet five years from now.
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Why the Glendale location is actually a big deal
Most people think of Parexel as a massive, faceless global corporation. And they aren't wrong. It's a behemoth with over 20,000 employees. However, the Glendale site, often referred to as the Los Angeles Early Phase Clinical Unit (EPCU), has a very specific "street cred" in the industry.
Back in 2006, Parexel bought a group called California Clinical Trials. That group was already famous for its work in Central Nervous System (CNS) research. They didn't just buy the building; they bought the expertise. Today, the Glendale office is basically the "brain center" for the company’s neuroscience trials.
They handle:
- Schizophrenia and Depression: Large-scale studies for new antipsychotics.
- Memory Research: They even run a free Community Memory Clinic for locals.
- Healthy Volunteer Studies: People literally get paid to stay in the clinic for a few days to help test drug safety.
The reality of "Phase I" in Glendale
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn't a doctor's office where you sit in a waiting room for twenty minutes. If you’re participating in a study at Parexel International Glendale CA, you’re often staying there. The facility at 1560 E. Chevy Chase Drive (Suite 140) is more like a high-tech hotel-hospital hybrid.
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It has 35+ beds. There are nurses, pharmacists, and even recreational therapists on staff 24/7.
I’ve talked to people who did these trials back in the day. Some do it for the money—and the compensation can be thousands of dollars depending on the length of the "in-house" stay. Others do it because they’ve run out of options for a chronic condition. It’s a mix. But don’t expect a spa. You’re being monitored. Blood draws, vitals, strict schedules. It’s work.
Dealing with the "Corporate" side
Working at Parexel is a different story than participating in a trial. If you go down the Rabbit Hole of Glassdoor or Reddit, you’ll see the typical "Big Pharma" complaints. Micromanagement. Metrics. Long hours for Clinical Research Associates (CRAs).
But in Glendale, the vibe is reportedly a bit more "clinical" and less "cubicle farm." Because it’s an Early Phase unit, the staff there—the doctors, the physician assistants—are focused on the immediate safety of the people in the beds.
A quick note on the address: Some older listings say Suite 140, while newer contact info points to Suite 200 at 1500 E. Chevy Chase Drive. They are in the same medical complex. If you're heading there, double-check your specific appointment letter because the campus is a maze.
What most people get wrong about clinical trials
There is this lingering fear that you’re a "guinea pig." That’s a bit dramatic. By the time a drug reaches the Glendale team, it has already been through years of laboratory and animal testing.
Is there risk? Of course. That's why they pay you.
But the oversight is intense. You have the FDA watching, but you also have an IRB (Institutional Review Board). That’s an independent group of ethicists and doctors who have to approve every single move Parexel makes. If a volunteer gets a weird headache, the whole study might pause.
How to actually get involved
If you're looking for Parexel International Glendale CA because you want to join a study, don't just show up. They don't take walk-ins for trials.
- Check the Portal: They have a specific "Volunteer Portal" for the Los Angeles area.
- The Screening: You'll do a phone screen first. They ask everything. Your BMI, your smoking habits, your history of surgeries.
- The Physical: If you pass the phone call, you go to the Glendale office for a physical.
- The Stay: If you're "enrolled," you'll likely have a "check-in" day where you stay for a set number of nights.
Is it still relevant in 2026?
Absolutely. Even with the rise of "decentralized" trials (where people do stuff from home via apps), Phase I needs beds. You can't test a brand-new molecule on someone while they are driving to the grocery store. You need them in a controlled environment with a crash cart nearby, just in case.
Glendale remains one of the few places in Southern California equipped to handle these high-stakes, early-stage studies.
Actionable Steps for Locals
If you or a family member are dealing with memory issues, the Glendale site offers a free memory evaluation through their Community Memory Clinic. You don't have to join a trial to use this. It’s a resource for the neighborhood to help catch early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
For those looking for supplemental income as a healthy volunteer, keep an eye on their compensation rates. Some trials for "Healthy Males & Females" can pay upwards of $4,000 to $6,000 for a week or two of your time. Just be prepared for the "washout" periods—you usually can't do more than one study every few months to keep the data clean.
The best way to stay in the loop is to join their mailing list specifically for the Los Angeles unit. They send out alerts when a new study opens up that matches your demographic. Whether you see it as a scientific contribution or a side hustle, Parexel International Glendale CA is a cornerstone of the local biotech economy that isn't going anywhere.
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Next Steps for You:
Check your eligibility for current studies by visiting the Parexel Los Angeles volunteer portal or call their recruitment line at 888-228-7425. If you are looking for the free memory clinic specifically, use their direct line at 818-254-1925 to schedule an evaluation.