What is the primary purpose of conducting a clinical trial?

The primary purpose of conducting a clinical trial is to gather data for scientific research. Clinical trials are designed to assess the safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects of new treatments, drugs, or medical devices. This process involves systematically collecting and analyzing data from participants to answer specific research questions and advance medical knowledge.

Clinical trials are essential for determining whether a new intervention can provide a benefit to patients compared to existing treatments or no treatment at all. The information obtained from these trials contributes to evidence-based medicine, shaping future clinical practice and informing regulatory decisions related to public health. Thus, the trial's design, implementation, and outcome measure are focused on scientific inquiry rather than commercial interests or resource limitations, reinforcing the foundational principle that human health improvement is the ultimate goal of this research.