How are clinical trial participants protected?
All clinical trials conducted in the United States must be reviewed and approved by an independent ethical review committee (called the Institutional Review Board) prior to starting and throughout the duration of the trial. These review boards are made up of people from a variety of professions such as doctors, teachers, and religious leaders, who have no affiliation with any pharmaceutical companies. Ethical review boards evaluate all aspects of the research trial to make sure that it is following the guidelines and procedures required to protect the safety and well-being of participants who volunteer for clinical research trials.