Clinical Trials 101

Stroke.org: 5/22/2012.

Should you participate? What to know before you sign up

Patients interested in new and alternative medical therapies for stroke treatment often look into clinical research opportunities. In fact, post-stroke clinical trials are seeing increased participation each year.

During a clinical trial, experimental medicines and medical devices undergo a multi-phase, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)regulated investigation to determine their safety and efficiency before they’re approved for public use.

It’s important to be aware of the various steps and stages involved in a clinical trial before deciding to volunteer as a participant.

FOUR PHASES AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Testing begins with extensive laboratory research. Sometimes years of experiments in animal and human cells are needed before research is considered successful. Researchers then send data to the FDA for approval to continue testing in humans. Read More