Biology Topic Practice

The Three Phases of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are highly regulated experiments where new drugs are tested on humans.

What is the purpose of testing on healthy volunteers first?

What is The Three Phases of Clinical Trials?

"Clinical trials are research studies performed in people that are aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention."

Question 1

What happens in preclinical testing of a potential new medicine?

Question 2

Why might a placebo be used in a double-blind clinical trial?

Question 3

Why are very low doses often used at the start of clinical trials?

Phase by Phase

Phase 1: Healthy volunteers test for safety and side effects.

Phase 2: Small group of patients test for efficacy and dosage.

Phase 3: Large scale trial to confirm results and monitor long-term effects.

Exam Tip

Healthy volunteers are used first because they have a predictable baseline and no other diseases.

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