Clinical research is a form of applied research aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of medications when used to treat specific diseases. This research encompasses clinical trials, which are essential in determining the appropriate dosage and route of drug administration. These trials are crucial in ensuring that medications provide the intended therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks to patients. Initial testing, known as Phase I, is conducted on healthy volunteers to understand the safety profile of a drug and observe how the body metabolizes and excretes it. This phase helps identify any potential side effects and the safe dosage range.
The subsequent phases, Phase II and Phase III, involve patients who have the disease in question. Phase II focuses on assessing the drug’s efficacy and further evaluating its safety in a larger group of patients, determining the optimal dose and its effect on the disease. Phase III expands the testing to an even larger patient population to confirm the drug’s effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to commonly used treatments. This phase provides a comprehensive understanding of the drug’s benefits and risks.