What type of trials are conducted to gather data on new medical treatments?

Clinical trials are designed specifically to gather data on new medical treatments. These trials involve human participants and aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and side effects of new medications, procedures, or devices. During clinical trials, researchers follow a structured process that typically includes various phases to assess how well the new treatment works compared to existing options or placebos. This allows for the collection of rigorous data that can inform regulatory approvals and clinical guidelines.

In contrast, observational trials and cohort studies do not involve active intervention by the researchers. Instead, they observe participants in natural settings to identify patterns and outcomes. These may provide valuable information but lack the controlled environment of clinical trials where variables can be managed more effectively. Diagnostic tests refer to assessments used to determine the presence or absence of a disease but are not trials focused on evaluating treatments directly. Hence, clinical trials are essential for advancing medical knowledge about new therapies.