What is a clinical research study?
Clinical research studies are a part of the development of future medical treatments. They are designed to help regulatory bodies around the world determine if investigational drugs are safe and effective. Clinical research studies may also test how investigational drugs (or their combination with other drugs that are already prescribed) compare with the current standard of care or other forms of treatment. All clinical research studies are conducted under the direction of healthcare professionals. Researchers must comply with guidelines and safeguards to protect study participants. In addition, an institutional review board (IRB) must approve every clinical research study. An IRB is an independent committee that is typically made up of physicians, statisticians, community advocates, and others to help ensure that a clinical research study is ethical and that the rights of the patient are protected. With these controls in place, the clinical research study begins. Potential participant
