In evidence-based medicine, clinical trials are critical because they help in testing out new medicines. These include possible treatments or even vaccines. In most cases, clinical trials involve a significant number of people, typically called human volunteers. These volunteers are imperative to ensure that the new intervention is a safe and effective one.
Some of the most reliable research and evidence about the direct or indirect effects of medicine comes from clinical trials. However, clinical trial participation varies from year to year. According to a report by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 105,808 people participated in research in 2015 and 25,941 people the next year [1].
For the success of the healthcare system, especially in the pharma and biotech industries, clinical trials need to be prioritized. Here's what to know about the significance of clinical trials:
Improves Detection of Acute or Chronic Illnesses
Clinical trials can help in developing methods of diagnosing acute or chronic health conditions early, even before there are symptoms. Acute illnesses develop suddenly and last for a short period, while chronic diseases develop slowly and worsen over an extended period. Acute health conditions also come with distinct symptoms, and individuals can get well after early treatment.
Acute medical conditions typically occur due to viruses or an infection, but chronic ones are usually due to unhealthy behaviors. Examples of acute medical conditions are bronchitis, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and the common cold. Chronic illnesses can include Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, or stroke, and early detection improves the chances of recovery.
Finding New Treatments for Diseases
As long as humans interact, there's always a tendency for new diseases. Clinical trials are helpful in developing new treatments for these diseases. The trials also help in learning if a new treatment is effective for treating disease and has fewer harmful side effects. Research via clinical trials helps in developing new drugs that treat symptoms of new diseases and prevents the spread of existing ones.
Most times, the development of a new medicine begins when scientists learn of a biological target that may affect a person’s health [2].
Determines Factors that Affect or Make a Treatment Work Better
During clinical trials, researchers can know the main determinants of a well-functioning treatment option. For example, allergies are a personal factor that may affect the functioning of a medication. Hence, during clinical trials, healthcare experts consider the possibilities of various allergies [3].
Serves as an Evidence of the Safety or Effectiveness of a Treatment Approach
When evaluating a surgical, medical, or behavioral intervention, clinical trials help determine if they are safe and effective. Before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a clinical trial, scientists typically perform laboratory tests on animals to determine medication safety and efficacy.
Zanteris for Clinical Trials Management
Zanteris comprehends the significance of clinical trials and focuses on clinical trial management to provide an optimal customer experience. As a functional CRO in clinical operations, Zanteris also provides services like project management resources and clinical operations in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
