Clinical studies
Clinical research is the longest stage in the process of developing a new medicine, and the most expensive….but it has the potential to be one of the most exciting and rewarding phases.
All new medicines are thoroughly tested before they are marketed to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. Extensive clinical testing is undertaken to understand the efficacy of medicines and, very importantly, to identify potential side effects so that the incidence and impact of these can be assessed and compared with the potential benefit. The programme of clinical research must be carefully planned to ensure that not only the effectiveness of the new medicine is carefully monitored, but adverse effects are recorded and evaluated too.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are carried out in three phases which must all be completed before an application can be made to market a new medicine, for more information please see Clinical trials.
People working in clinical research
There are a variety of different roles available for doctors and scientists who are outgoing and enjoy working on their own initiative with lots of different people, there are also a number of other specialist roles in each area.
Clinical trials work
Clinical trials are carried out in three phases which must all be completed before an application can be made to market a new medicine.
Clinical data management
Data managers are responsible for seeing that information is consistent and complete, and of a high quality.
Clinical medicine
Working as a clinical research physician can provide an exciting and dynamic career.
Clinical research work
The entry level for many people working in clinical research is the role of a clinical trials administrator (CTA) or a clinical research associate (CRA). These are vital roles that ensure the trial runs smoothly and the data obtained is valid.