Interventional clinical trials study the efficacy and safety of a potential therapy in humans. Studies are first performed in small groups of patients and then in larger patient populations. The goal of these clinical trials is to obtain data to support marketing approval. Marketing approval allows a medical product to be manufactured and sold outside of research studies.

In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates clinical trials and the sale of medical products. Your group can play an essential role in educating your community about clinical trials to ensure potential participants can make an informed decision. You can also contribute to the FDA monitoring and marketing review processes by providing input on the patients’ perspective.