RESEARCH PATIENTS

What is Clinical Trials and Studies?

Have you ever wondered about the process that is used to bring Tylenol to market? This process is called Clinical research. Clinical research is medical research involving people. There are two types, observational studies, and clinical trials.

Observational Studies

Observational studies observe people in normal settings. Researchers gather information, group volunteers according to broad characteristics, and compare changes over time. These studies may help identify new possibilities for clinical trials.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies performed in people that are aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention. They are the primary way that researchers find out if a new treatment, like a new drug or diet or medical device (for example, a pacemaker) is safe and effective in people. Often a clinical trial is used to learn if a new treatment is more effective and/or has less harmful side effects than the standard treatment.

Other clinical trials test ways to find a disease early, sometimes before there are symptoms. Still others test ways to prevent a health problem. A clinical trial may also look at how to make life better for people living with a life-threatening disease or a chronic health problem. Clinical trials sometimes study the role of caregivers or support groups.

Before the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a clinical trial to begin, scientists perform laboratory tests and studies in animals to test a potential therapy’s safety and efficacy. If these studies show favorable results, the FDA gives approval for the intervention to be tested in humans.

Before You Participate

Have you ever wondered about the process that is used to bring Tylenol to market? This process is called Clinical research. Clinical research is medical research involving people. There are two types, observational studies, and clinical trials.

Patients

Many people do not respond well to current therapies, therefore there is a medical need for more effective treatments. If you suffer with moderate or severe symptoms, we would like to invite you to learn more about clinical trials. If you decide to participate in clinical research, here is a brief synopsis of the process: