Clinical studies are research investigations conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, medications, or medical devices. These studies often involve human participants and are designed to answer specific health-related questions. They follow strict protocols to ensure reliable results and are typically divided into phases, each with distinct goals and methodologies.
The results from clinical studies can lead to advancements in medical knowledge and improvements in patient care. Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), review the findings to determine whether a new treatment can be approved for public use.