Why are clinical trials important?

There are several reasons why clinical trials are important. First, the participant may have a positive response to the study medication, and his disease or condition may improve. In addition, participants receive free laboratory and medical testing. More often than not, the study medication is in development because it works differently than other drugs on the market, and therefore, it may present an alternative course of treatment for the patient.

Second, participation in a clinical trial helps manufacturers make informed decisions about whether to pursue getting a particular drug approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In the best-case scenarios, these data can help get a new medication approved by the FDA, and ultimately continue the industry’s efforts in developing medications that are safer, more effective, and work faster than any before them.