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How Clinical Trials Work

By Robert Nellis • June 5, 2019

Clinical trials are the part of research that determines whether a medical intervention should be moved, or "translated," from the lab to routine patient care. At each phase along the way, the team must answer different questions.

  • Is the intervention safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it better than others already out there?

Every scientific journey does not reach the end of this transformational process.

Most journeys never make it past the first or second trials where basic questions about safety and effectiveness must be answered. Even when a particular trial reaches an early end, the quest continues. In the process, research teams often uncover valuable treasure: new knowledge to help advance the science of medicine.

From the lab to research with the help of volunteers through review and approval for use, this animation will help you understand the biomedical research pipeline:

- Caitlin Doran, June 5, 2019

Clinical Trials Features Lab Bench to Bedside
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