A clinical trial is the scientific evaluation of the safety and
effectiveness of a new investigational medical treatment, medication
or device in human volunteers. After showing considerable benefit
in the laboratory, new treatments must be tested among animals
and then among small groups of people for safety reasons. Carefully
selected doses are then tested in large groups of volunteers to
evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the treatment for a specific
condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Clinical trials must take place before new research treatments
can be made available to the public for prescription or over-the-counter
use. Many currently available medical treatments have been analyzed
through clinical trials, which are carefully monitored under strict
government regulations.
