A clinical trial is a research study that involved people who volunteer to receive investigational treatments under the supervision of the physician conducting the trial for the pharmaceutical company. It is through these trials that the investigational medications are tested for safety and effectiveness in the population of patients the medicine is intended to treat.

Other times studies are done to compare one drug to another or to test its long term effectiveness. It is important to know that once the medication has been sent to the physician for study, it has already been through several preliminary studies. Prior to agreeing to participate in any trial you are asked to sign an informed consent form. The FDA reviews all clinical trial activity and independent review boards exist to make sure your rights are protected and that you are not exposed to unnecessary risks. A volunteer has the right to leave the study at any time and for any reason.

For more information on current research trials, please click here.