Clinical research is at the heart of the Clinical Center's mission.
Advancing Clinical Research
About a thousand clinical research studies are under way at the Clinical Center, most of them sponsored by the Institutes and Centers at NIH. These different institutes, centers, and divisions study diseases such as cancer, AIDS, heart trouble, eye problems, dental problems, depression, and nerve diseases, to name just a few.
Protocols by Research Type
(on site intramural protocols, fiscal year 2008)
Clinical studies are medical research studies (or protocols) in which human volunteers participate. Clinical trials are studies developing or investigating new treatments and medications for diseases and conditions. Natural history studies investigate normal human biology and the development of a particular disease. Screening studies determine if individuals may be suitable candidates for inclusion in a particular study. Training studies provide an opportunity for staff physicians and other health-care professionals to follow particular types of patients.
Please visit our database of studies for details on those studies. Or speak with one of the specialists in our patient recruitment office, 1-800-411-1222.
Breakdown of clinical trials
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Clinical trials phases
Phase 0: |
An initial first-in-human study (20-30
participants) under an exploratory IND
(investigational new drug) for early
identification of biologic and molecular
markers in new clinical agents. There is very
little agent exposure with no therapeutic or
diagnostic intent. |
Phase I: |
Researchers test a new drug or treatment
for the first time in a small group of people
(20–80) to evaluate its safety, determine a safe
dosage range, and identify side effects. |
Phase II: |
The study drug or treatment is given to a
larger group of people (100–300) to see if it is
effective and to further evaluate its safety. |
Phase III: |
The study drug or treatment is given to
large groups of people (3,000 or more) to
confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it with commonly used treatments, and collect information that will ensure
safe usage. |
Phase IV: |
Phase IV: These studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed. Researchers continue to collect information about the effect of the drug or treatment in various populations and to determine any side effects |
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