Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scientifically controlled study: A "clinical trial" is a type of research study that follows a strict, pre-defined protocol to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new medical intervention, such as a drug, vaccine, device, or treatment procedure, in human participants.
   • A phase of drug development: It specifically refers to the testing phase required by regulatory authorities (like the FDA in the United States) before a new medical product can be approved for widespread public use.

Usage

• The term "clinical trial" is used as a countable noun. It describes the entire process of testing a medical intervention on people.
• It is often modified by words indicating its phase (e.g., ), purpose (e.g., ), or the subject of the trial (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The new vaccine must pass several phases of a clinical trial before it can be licensed.
  • Patients were recruited to participate in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of the new therapy.
  • The results of the clinical trial were published in a major medical journal.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in a clinical trial" / "to enroll in a clinical trial": To participate as a subject in such a study.
  • She decided to enroll in a clinical trial for a promising new treatment.
• "to conduct a clinical trial": To carry out or perform the study.
  • The university hospital will conduct the clinical trial.
• "clinical trial protocol": The detailed plan that a clinical trial follows.
  • All researchers must adhere strictly to the clinical trial protocol.

Variants and Related Words

• Clinical study: A broader term often used synonymously with "clinical trial," though it can sometimes include observational studies.
• Trial (in a medical context): Often used as a shorter form, e.g., , .
• Randomized controlled trial (RCT): A specific, gold-standard type of clinical trial where participants are randomly assigned to different groups.

Synonyms

• Clinical test: (Formal/Scientific) Often used interchangeably.
• Clinical research study: A more general synonym.
• Interventional study: Highlights that the research involves an active intervention.

Related Phrases

• Clinical trial phase: Refers to the distinct stages (Phase I, II, III, IV) of testing.
  • The drug showed positive results in a Phase II clinical trial.
• Clinical trial participant/volunteer: A person who takes part in the trial.
• Clinical trial data: The information collected during the study.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• "To go to clinical trial": To enter the phase of being tested on humans.
  • After successful lab tests, the compound will go to clinical trial next year.
• "The gold standard of clinical trials": Often refers to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design.

Noun

1. a rigorously controlled test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on human subjects; in the United States it is conducted under the direction of the FDA before being made available for general clinical use