Clinical trials are research studies used to evaluate if a new drug or a new medical intervention is safe and effective. Before a drug is offered on the market, it needs to be properly assessed in various research phases to confirm its effectiveness, both alone and in comparison to other available drugs for the same clinical condition. These trials also evaluate the safety profile of new interventions and are important because they can lead to a better understanding of diseases, as well as to the use of newer, more effective methods for treating them.
Clinical trials have been instrumental in the development of new drugs for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participating in a trial helps both current and future patients dealing with the same disease, thus making it an essential step forward in increasing the range of treatment options.
Some clinical trial studies involve the use of drugs that are currently available and already approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. Other trials involve the use of new, potentially beneficial medications which are under review to evaluate their benefits, as well as their safety profiles.
Why do people participate in clinical trials?
The benefit of participating in clinical trials is not just for the greater good. The two most common reasons why patients volunteer to participate in research are: access to cutting-edge treatments, and the quality care they receive while participating in the trial and beyond.
Other reasons for participating in a trial may include the inability to tolerate certain medications due to various side effects or being unable to continue with intravenous (IV) treatment administrations and being willing to try oral formulations.
In most instances, you cannot take part in a clinical trial if you have not previously received the standard treatment and care available for your disease. It is also important to consider the known and unknown health risks that could be associated with a specific trial before enrolling into one, which can be achieved by discussing the risks and benefits involved with the researchers leading the trial.
