The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves over 20,000 drugs for public use every year in the US. But do you ever wonder how researchers, doctors, and government agencies develop and test these drugs before they reach the market? It’s a lengthy and meticulous process that takes 10–15 years and involves clinical trials.
Clinical trials test how health interventions (drugs, vaccines, medical devices, surgical techniques, and changes in behavior to improve health and quality of life) impact our health before making them available to the public. Through rigorous testing, clinical trials help researchers determine whether these interventions effectively treat specific diseases or conditions. They also provide important insights into potential side effects, optimal dosages, and the appropriate patient population for a particular treatment. Read the Full Article by Aparna Anantharaman