A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, or procedures on people. The main goal is to determine if these new options are safe and effective. Participants in a clinical trial may receive the new treatment or a standard one, and their health is closely monitored throughout the study. This helps researchers gather important data about how well the treatment works. Before a clinical trial begins, it must be approved by regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of participants. Trials are often conducted in phases, with each phase designed to answer specific questions about the treatment. Successful trials can lead to new therapies becoming available to patients, improving healthcare options for conditions like cancer or diabetes.