What are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They are designed to test new treatments, drugs, or medical devices to determine their safety and effectiveness. These trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.
The Phases of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials typically progress through several phases:
- Phase I: Tests the safety of a drug in a small group of healthy volunteers.
- Phase II: Focuses on the effectiveness of the drug in a larger group of patients.
- Phase III: Compares the new drug to standard treatments in a large population.
- Phase IV: Conducted after the drug is approved to monitor long-term effects.
Clinical trials are the backbone of medical advancement.