What is a clinical research study?

A clinical research study (also called a clinical trial) is a medical study that helps to answer important questions about an investigational drug, such as: does it work? All drugs must be tested in clinical research studies before they can potentially be approved on the market for patients.

Benefits of a clinical research study

Participating in a clinical research study does not guarantee that your symptoms will improve. However, you may have extra testing or monitoring as part of a clinical research study. You can also help researchers learn more about the condition and investigational drugs.

What happens if I sign up?

We will match you or your family member to a clinical research study in your area or notify you when one becomes available. We will contact you to explain more about the study before you make your decision about participating. You may attend an in-person screening visit where a research doctor will help determine if the study is right for you and if you qualify.

Why do we need clinical research studies?

An investigational drug must go through clinical trials before FDA will consider approving it for public use. The focus is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the investigational drug and identifying potential side effects.