Clinical studies are conducted to collect data regarding the safety and efficacy of new drug and device development. There are several steps and stages of approval in the clinical trials process before a drug or device can be sold in the consumer market, if ever.1

Read on below to discover five fun and interesting facts about clinical studies that you probably didn’t already know!

The first controlled clinical trial of the modern era was conducted in 1747 by physician James Lind.

 

While working as a surgeon on a ship, Lind was appalled by the high mortality of scurvy among sailors. He planned a comparative trial of the most promising cure for scurvy, which covered the essential elements of a controlled trial. He discovered that patients who received oranges and lemons made a nearly full recovery, and the next best treatment was cyder (all have vitamin C).2

May 20 is International Clinical Trials Day.

 

On this day back in 1747, James Lind’s celebrated control trial began.2

The advancement of medical research is the top reason people participate in clinical studies.

 

33% of respondents said they participated in clincal trials to advance medicine, followed closely by the altruistic intent to improve the lives of others (29%).3

Worldwide, there are 4,600 Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and/or Ethics Committees.

 

Of this amount, 2,860 of those reside in the United States.3

As of April 2017, there were 242,835 registered research studies.

 

Of this amount, 117,578 were for the testing of drug or biological treatments; 25,824 of the total number have posted their results.4

Footnotes

1. (CenterWatch, What is clinical research?)
2. (U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, Evolution of Clinical Research: A History Before and Beyond James Lind)
3. (The Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation, Charts and Statistics: Useful information about clinical research before participating in a trial)
4. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Trends, Charts, and Maps)

Related posts:
Research Study Participation: 5 Benefits to You And Others
Clinical Trials: Do They Really Work?


Participate in a Research Study

Austin area residents: are you or someone you know struggling with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or rosacea? Participating in a research study provides an opportunity to be involved in the process of discovering new treatments while receiving compensation for time and travel. Inquire about eligibility by calling DermResearch at 512-349-0500 or view our current studies.

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@dermresearchTX wants to know:
Have you had a positive experience while participating in a clinical trial? We’d love to hear about it!