What are the different phases of clinical trials?

• Clinical trials are generally divided into four phases:

• Phase I: These trials test a new treatment on a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.

• Phase II: The treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.

• Phase III: In this phase, the treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the treatment to be used safely.

• Phase IV: These trials are done after a treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.