Key Information
Clinical trials are research studies that include human volunteers. Before they start a clinical trial, doctors must prove there is a chance that the new treatment will work better than the one available now. They do research until they can prove this. For example, they might test the treatment on laboratory animals. They do this to make sure it is safe to test in people.
What Happens in Different Phases of Clinical Trials?
Once clinical trials are approved to start, each one must follow certain steps in order. The steps are called "phases." They are designed to keep volunteers safe. Making sure all the steps are done helps protect patients and give accurate results about what the clinical trial is testing.
More on Clinical Trial Education:
Learn About Clinical Studiesexternal link, opens in a new tab
Finding a Clinical Trialexternal link, opens in a new tab
Clinical Trials: Benefits, Risks, and Safetyexternal link, opens in a new tab