How Clinical Research Works
How Clinical Research Works
Clinical trials are research studies designed to determine if a medical treatment, strategy, or device is safe and effective for humans. These studies can also identify which medical approaches are most effective for specific diseases or groups of people. If a new drug is found to be both safe and effective, it may receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for doctors to prescribe.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
Are research studies safe?
Each year, millions of volunteers take part in industry-sponsored clinical trials. These studies are conducted by medical researchers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals who follow strict FDA regulations to protect participants. While clinical trials can offer potential benefits, there are also risks, including the possibility that the experimental treatment may not be effective or could cause unpleasant or serious side effects.