There are many different kinds of clinical trials that can vary by objective, design, and number of participants, as well as other factors.
Different types of clinical studies can be categorized by purpose, which vary in both design and goals, depending on what researchers are trying to find out. Clinical trials can also be broken down by phases, ranging from preclinical to post-marketing, depending on what stage of the research process a particular treatment or intervention is in at a given time.
Here’s a breakdown of each type of clinical trial and what’s involved.
Not all studies are created with the same purpose. Some may be designed to understand the impact and effects of a new medical device, while others may be aimed at evaluating the effectiveness or safety of an investigational drug. Still others may focus on understanding a particular condition, how genetics may play a role in disease risk, or factors that affect quality of life.
Here are some of the most common types of studies:
There are also different clinical trial phases, which vary by number of participants and specific objectives, depending on where a particular treatment or intervention is at in the research process.
*Numbers may differ relative to the prevalence of the disease and involve a smaller number of participants for rarer conditions.
BioNews is partnering with clinical trial organizations to help get the word out about opportunities to participate in studies related to our rare and chronic disease patient communities. If you’re interested in learning more, click the link below.
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