What's a Clinical Trial?
Testing the Safety of Medications & Treatments for Future Generations
Before a new medication is approved, it must undergo a series of lengthy and rigorous tests, first in the laboratory, then in animals, and ultimately in humans. A new medication or medical device must not only be safe and effective, but in many cases it must also demonstrate a superior benefit when compared to similarly approved products.
What's involved?
Once the consent form is understood and signed, screening procedures may start. Once the screening visit is completed, a staff member will notify volunteers if they are eligible to enroll or start participating in the study and provided instructions for continuing.
How are studies conducted?
A clinical study is conducted according to a research plan known as a protocol that has been developed by the pharmaceutical company and reviewed by the FDA along with an Institutional Review Board (IRB) representing the public interest. These agencies monitor the progress of these studies.
The protocol determines:
- The reason for the study
- The number of participants
- The criteria used to determine who is eligible for the study
- A schedule for procedures, tests, drugs and dosages
- The length of the study
- What information will be gathered about the participants
- And much, much more
Clinical trials are led by a principal investigator, who is often a medical doctor, along with a research team made up of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. All of the participants are volunteers. It is important to conduct research in a variety of people to detect different responses to a single investigational product.
