Conducted trials

Clinical trials of drugs are usually described based on their phase. Like Mr. Jackson, you might have heard of clinical trials but may not be sure what they are or if you want to join one. Here is some information that can help you decide if participating in a clinical trial is right for you.

There are many reasons why people choose to join a clinical trial. Some join a trial because the treatments they have tried for their health problem did not work. Others participate because there is no treatment for their health problem. By being part of a clinical trial, participants may find out about new treatments before they are widely available. Some studies are designed for, or include, people who are healthy but want to help find ways to prevent a disease, such as one that may be common in their family.

Many people say participating in a clinical trial is a way to play a more active role in their own health care. Other people say they want to help researchers learn more about certain health problems. Whatever the motivation, when you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you become a partner in scientific discovery.

And, your contribution can help future generations lead healthier lives. Major medical breakthroughs could not happen without the generosity of clinical trial participants—young and old. There are many ways you can get help to find a clinical trial. You can talk to your doctor or other health care provider. Or, you can search ClinicalTrials. You can sign up for a registry or matching service to connect you with trials in your area.

Support groups and websites that focus on a particular condition sometimes have lists of clinical studies. Also, you may see ads for trials in your area in the newspaper or on TV. Once you find a study that you might want to join, contact the clinical trial or study coordinator. You can usually find this contact information in the description of the study.

The first step is a screening appointment to see if you qualify to participate. This appointment also gives you a chance to ask your questions about the study. Let your doctor know that you are thinking about joining a clinical trial. Read our disclaimer for details. Before participating in a study, talk to your health care provider and learn about the risks and potential benefits.

Learn more. Try the modernized ClinicalTrials. Learn more about the modernization effort. Hide glossary Glossary Study record managers: refer to the Data Element Definitions if submitting registration or results information.

Search for terms. Volunteers who participate in the study must agree to the rules and terms outlined in the protocol. Similarly, researchers, doctors, and other health professionals who manage the clinical trials must follow strict rules set by the FDA. These rules make sure that those who agree to participate are treated as safely as possible. Learn more about the basics of clinical trial participation, read first hand experiences from actual clinical trial volunteers, and see explanations from researchers at the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You Web site.

Some people participate in clinical trials because none of the standard approved treatment options have worked, or they are unable to tolerate certain side effects. Clinical trials provide another option when standard therapy has failed. Others participate in trials because they want to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. All clinical trials have guidelines, called eligibility criteria, about who can participate.

The criteria are based on such factors as age, sex, type and stage of disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. This helps to reduce the variation within the study and to ensure that the researchers will be able to answer the questions they plan to study.

Therefore, not everyone who applies for a clinical trial will be accepted. It is important to test drugs and medical products in the people they are meant to help. It is also important to conduct research in a variety of people, because different people may respond differently to treatments.

FDA seeks to ensure that people of different ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders are included in clinical trials. Clinical trials can be sponsored by organizations such as a pharmaceutical company , Federal offices and agencies such as the National Institutes of Health or the U.

Department of Veterans Affairs , or individuals such as doctors or health care providers.