A clinical trial is a special form of medical research involving human subjects. The purpose is to evaluate treatments, medical procedures, and new medications to determine the effectiveness of a new treatment. Clinical trials can also be used to determine new ways of detecting diseases earlier or to test new life-saving medical devices.
Are Clinical Trials Safe?
The FDA must approve human clinical trials. Before that happens, a lot of research – sometimes months and years of research – is completed in a lab and with animal testing. Only once there is a clear record of safety in lab and animal testing will the FDA approve clinical trials involving humans. In the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these lab and animal testing requirements have been accelerated to help find a treatment or cure more quickly.
Phases of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are completed in four stages or phases. In the first phase, the trial is only tested on a limited number of healthy people. This early testing is done to better determine dosage, side effects, and risk. Phase II repeats the testing on a larger group, normally more than 100. The focus of Phase II is to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Clinical trials advance through four phases to test a treatment, find the appropriate dosage, and look for side effects. If, after the first three phases, researchers find a drug or other intervention to be safe and effective, the FDA approves it for clinical use and continues to monitor its effects. In Phase III, more information is gathered by extending the trial to thousands of people to better determine dosage, safety, effectiveness, and side effects. Phase IV, the final phase of clinical trials, takes place after the FDA has approved the drug or treatment. This clinical trial involves monitoring the effectiveness, safety, and side effects on a large population over time.
Clinical Trials with Skin Care Research
Skin Care Research is currently enrolling patients in our clinical studies, and participants may be eligible for compensation for time and travel. Our center has over 25 years of experience in the execution of clinical trials focusing on all facets of dermatological conditions, including clinical and cosmetic concerns. You will receive care from our board-certified dermatologists and clinical investigators, Dr. Eduardo Weiss, Dr. Ann Reed, and Dr. Chere Lucas-Anthony. Our team is highly trained and committed to ensuring that all clinical guidelines are met and that the rights of every patient are always protected.
With over 25 years of experience in the execution of dermatological clinical trials — our team is highly trained and committed to ensuring that all clinical guidelines are met and that the rights of every patient are always protected. Call 561-948-3116 or fill out the form on this page to learn more about our clinical trial options.
