What Is a Clinical Research Study?

A clinical research study (or clinical trial) is a research study carefully designed to learn more about therapies and treatments, or answer specific health questions. All clinical trials are carefully conducted in accordance with federal guidelines and Ethics Committees. These committees are involved in the clinical trial process in order to ensure patient safety and confidentiality.

After clinical trial participation has ended, the doctor may discuss future treatments with the patients. All of the information that is collected during the clinical trial will be studied and analyzed to learn more about the medicine or treatment. The information collected will be sent to the regulatory authorities for review and approval. If approved, the medication may be made commercially available to patients.

Clinical trials are designed to assess the safety and effect of:

• a medication or device on a specific kind of patient
• a different dose of a medication than is commonly used
• an already marketed medication or device in a new condition