What is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial (also clinical research) is a research study in which people participate as volunteers.
A research study is a scientific investigation to achieve a complete understanding of a topic.
Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find
- Treatments and medications that work in people
- Ways to improve health
There are strict rules for clinical trials, which are monitored by
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Food and Drug Administration
Some of the research studies at the NIH Clinical Center involve promising new treatments that may directly benefit patients.
You can Search the Studies to access a database of NIH clinical studies being conducted at the Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Why Participate?
Participants in clinical trials are
- Seen by a team of expert doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff
- Often the first to receive promising new treatments before they become available in the community
- Helping others with the same disease—both today and in the future
Participants in clinical trials can
- Play a more active role in their own health care
- Potentially gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available
- Help others by contributing to greater medical knowledge
For questions about participating in any of these clinical studies, contact
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Toll free: 800-411-1222
TTY: 866-411-1010