Clinical Trials: An Overview

Abstract

The purpose of clinical trials is to answer scientific questions. Therefore, these studies follow strict, scientific standards which protect patients and help produce reliable clinical trials results. Clinical trials are one of the final stages of a long and careful research and development process. The process often begins in a laboratory, where scientists first develop and test new ideas. Clinical trials are carefully designed, reviewed and completed. The principal investigator is the person in charge of the trials. He or she is a scientist who's is an expert in what the clinical trials is about. The principal investigator takes the lead in designing the clinical trials, choosing the research team and carrying out the study. Often, other scientists, called investigators, are part of the research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]