A clinical trial is a scientifically constructed investigation of a treatment (e.g. medication) that involves patient volunteers. The volunteers usually take a medicine or some other form of therapy, to allow researchers to test how effective the therapy is, and whether or not it is safe. Often there are two groups of patients, one that takes the new treatment and one that does not.
All drugs must be tested in order to prove their safety and efficacy before they can be marketed to the public. Clinical trials can take up to 10 years to complete.

All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.