A clinical trial is carefully supervised research that is done in humans prior to the release of a drug to the general public.

The term clinical refers to research performed in a hospital or clinic setting in which a physician and other health care professionals observe a patient. A trial is a study, whereby the drug is analyzed for its effects on a group of patients.

However, before a drug enters the clinical trial phase, it is extensively tested through basic or preclinical research in the laboratory, both in lab experiments and in animals. The type of experiments depends on the disease being studied, and if animals can also have the same disease. This type of research is extremely important in gathering information on the drug's possible benefits and limits before it is tested in humans.

It is important to understand that both basic research and research done through clinical trials are carefully supervised, monitored and documented. New drugs must demonstrate their safety and efficiacy to government regulators (such as the F.D.A. in the United States) before they take their place on the pharmacy shelf. Clinical trial volunteers play a very big role in this process.

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