Breaking Down the Phases of Clinical Trials: A Guide

So, you’ve heard about clinical trials, but you’re not quite sure what they’re all about? At PolyCRA, we are passionate about the research clinical practice in Texas. We’ll help you get in the know.

You might think clinical trials are all about testing new drugs, but that’s not always the case. Let an experienced Clinical Research Coordinator tell you that while they often involve medications, they can also be used to test new treatments, therapies, or even medical devices.

Different types of clinical research are used depending on what the researchers are studying. Any clinical trial in Texas happens in four stages. Below are the different phases of clinical research.

• Phase I Trials
  This is the first time a new drug or treatment has been tested on humans. It’s all about safety. Researchers want to see if it’s safe for people to take, what the side effects might be, and figure out the best dose. The researchers evaluate the treatment’s safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
• Phase II Trials
  Now we’re talking about a larger group of people. The experimental drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety. The focus is on effectiveness. Does the drug or treatment work? Does it help people feel better?
• Phase III Trials
  This is where things get serious. The drug or treatment is tested on a huge group of people to confirm its effectiveness, compare it to standard treatments, and make sure it’s safe for widespread use.
• Phase IV Trials
  Once a drug or treatment is approved, Phase IV studies continue to monitor it. Researchers look for long-term side effects, how well it works in different groups of people, and other important information.

Remember: These phases are the building blocks of a clinical study in San Antonio, Texas. Each one helps scientists get closer to developing safe and effective treatments.

So, the next time you hear about a new medication or treatment, you’ll know a little bit more about the journey it took to get there! Our team looks forward to working with you and your clinical site! Contact us now.