A clinical research study is conducted by qualified physicians to evaluate a treatment for a specific disease or group of diseases. Before the treatment is given to patients in a clinical research study, it is carefully researched in the laboratory. Clinical research studies provide the most promising way to test treatments. All treatments in widespread use today were first proven effective and safe in clinical studies.
People enroll in a clinical research study for various reasons.
Many people are interested in receiving research medication before it is made available to the public. Others consider participation in a study a viable alternative to their current treatment. Clinical research studies also offer patients the study-related physical exams, medical testing, and investigational medications. Medical insurance is not necessary, and some studies offer compensation for participation. Participation in a clinical study is completely voluntary.