What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study in human volunteers intended to answer particular health questions. After a medication or treatment is found to be safe and effective, it may be approved by the FDA and then, it will be available for population. No treatment may reach clinical testing unless there is evidence that there might be an improvement over current therapies.

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Why participate in a clinical trial?

Medical treatment cannot improve without research and volunteers. Everyone would like a successful treatment available when diagnosed with an illness. By volunteering for clinical trials in Miami you can help advance knowledge about future treatments that someday you and a loved one may benefit from. In a research study in clinical trials in Miami you have the ability to take an active role in your own health, access possible investigational medications/treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to the participants in return for their time and travel.

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What happens during a clinical trial?

The clinical trial process depends on the kind of trial being conducted. The clinical trial team, whether conducted at medical clinics in Miami or elsewhere, includes doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. These professionals will check your health at the beginning of the trial, give you specific instructions for participating in the trial, monitor you carefully during the trial, and stay in touch after the trial is completed. 

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What are the different phases of a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials are conducted in phases. The trials at each phase have a different purpose and help scientists answer different questions:

• In Phase I trials, a new drug or treatment is tested in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety. Phase I also help to determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.

• Phase II trials are conducted on a larger group of people (100-300) to evaluate its effectiveness and to further evaluate its safety and dosage for people who suffer from a specific condition.

• Phase III trials are conducted on very large groups of people (1,000-3,000) and are designed to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.

• Phase IV trials are post marketing studies that delineate additional information including the drug’s risks, benefits, and optimal use. Some of these Phase IV trials are conducted at Medical Clinics.