Getting medical discoveries from the research lab to patients depends on a long and complex process, and it depends on clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the effects of an experimental test or treatment. Multiple phases of clinical trials are often necessary to find out whether a new treatment is safe and effective and whether it should be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by patients.

Clinical trials are vitally important for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing diseases and illnesses. But these trials can’t happen without the participation of volunteers. At any given time, there can be thousands of trials going on across the country that could lead to life-saving and life-changing treatments. But 37% of clinical trials don’t enroll enough patients to move forward, and 11% fail to enroll even one patient, which means these innovative discoveries may never make it to the patients who need them.

Volunteering for clinical trials may contribute to research that helps society at large by bringing new treatments one step closer to reaching patients and potentially leading to future discoveries and breakthroughs. And if you have a disease or condition that’s genetic, your contribution may end up helping a loved one. Volunteering to participate in a clinical trial may give you access to an experimental, cutting-edge treatment option and access to a medical research team that carefully monitors your disease and overall health.It’s particularly important for clinical trials to have volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. This is due to the fact that certain diseases are more prevalent in certain demographic groups. A diverse group of clinical trial volunteers is critical to the success of medical discoveries that can change lives. Learn more about clinical trials and trails near you at www.clinicaltrials.gov.