NIAID HIV and Emerging Infectious Diseases Program
Clinical Trials Overview
What is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial (also clinical research) is a research study in which people participate as volunteers.
A research study is a scientific investigation to achieve a complete understanding of a topic.
Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find
- Treatments and medications that work in people
- Ways to improve health
There are strict rules for clinical trials, which are monitored by
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Food and Drug Administration
Some of the research studies at the Clinical Center involve promising new treatments that may directly benefit patients.
You can Search the Studies to access a database of clinical studies being conducted by NIH at the Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
For questions about participating in any of these clinical studies, contact:
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Toll free: 800-411-1222
TTY: 866-411-1010
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