What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is defined as a research study conducted with human participants to assess the efficacy and safety of a medical intervention. This process typically involves comparing a new treatment or drug to a standard treatment or a placebo to determine its effects. Clinical trials are essential in the development of new therapies and contribute significantly to medical knowledge, ensuring that new interventions are beneficial and safe for public use.

In a clinical trial, participants are often grouped and monitored closely, and the outcome of the intervention is measured against predetermined endpoints. This systematic approach helps researchers gather robust data on how a treatment performs in a real-world setting. The use of human participants distinguishes clinical trials from other forms of research that might not involve direct testing on individuals.

In summary, the focus of clinical trials on human subjects and the objective of evaluating treatment efficacy and safety highlight the importance of this type of research in advancing healthcare.