What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are medical research studies that test how scientific discoveries can be applied to patients.

The test may be on a medical product, a substance, a drug, a diagnostic technique or a therapeutic technique that aims to assess its efficacy and safety, applying it to humans. Clinical trials can also compare a new treatment to one that is already available.

What does it consist of?

Each clinical trial has a protocol or action plan that describes what will be done in the study, how it will be done, and why each part of the study is necessary.

Each trial has its own rules about who can participate, as the profiles of the participants will be specific and adapted to the type of trial. For example, some need volunteers with a certain disease, others need healthy people, and others only ask for men or women.

Why is it done?

Clinical trials are carried out in humans to clarify the clinical, pharmacological and/or pharmacodynamic effects on the body, to detect adverse reactions or to study the different changes produced in the body.

Preparation for clinical trials

To participate in a clinical trial, those in charge must study the anatomy and physiology of the person who wants to participate, since they must decide whether it is appropriate to undergo the study. Once the person is accepted as optimal for the study, a contract must be signed detailing the possible adverse effects.

How does the exam feel?

Depending on the type of clinical trial performed, the patient will experience some noticeable sensations, or they may not notice any. Testing will advise patients and researchers about the results of the trial.