A clinical trial is a research study designed to answer specific health questions related to the development, production and evaluation of the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases. Clinical trials rely on human volunteers to carefully and safely evaluate new treatment options and ways to improve health in a controlled setting. Clinical trials test the benefits of experimental treatments, new medications, combinations of existing drugs and new ways of using known therapies. These tests use the most advanced drug therapies available. If a trial proves successful, the treatment may become a standard practice.

For additional information on clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.gov/ct/info/resources.