Research Process

The research process comprises four phases.

Phase I

Phase I studies are the initial tests of new drugs in humans. They are small studies, which not usually placebo controlled. They:

•    Usually include healthy volunteers (who may be paid), but may include patients
•    Ascertain safe, tolerable levels
•    Discover initial pharmacokinetics

PHASE II

Phase II studies may be randomised, and they may be placebo controlled. They:

•    Include participants who have a specific disease or illness
•    Determine the proper dosages
•    Provide evidence of activity and better evidence of safety

PHASE III

Phase III studies are comparative, controlled studies. They:

•    Include participants who have a specific disease or illness
•    Assess the efficacy and safety of a drug, and therefore the balance of risks and benefits
•    Compare the benefits and side effects with those of standard treatments or placebos, or both

PHASE IV

Phase IV studies evaluate medicines that are already available for doctors to prescribe, rather than new medicines that are still being developed. They include participants who have a specific disease or illness. The main reasons for conducting this phase are to find out:

•    More about the side effects and safety of a drug in a larger population
•    What the long term risks and benefits are, by conducting long term follow-up
•    How well the medicines work when used in a broader population, or in combination with other treatments

The Trent Local Children’s Research Network operates as part of the NIHR Medicines for Children Research Network in England. It is part of the National Institute for Health Research and forms part of the UK Clinical Research Network. The Networks support and deliver high quality clinical research studies.
© 2008 Trent Local Children's Research Network All Rights Reserved - designed by Stylistic Web Design