The purpose of a clinical trial is to answer scientific questions in relation to a specific discipline. All trials follow strict, scientific standards which protect patients and help produce reliable clinical trial results. Clinical trials are one of the final stages of a long and careful research and development process. The process often begins in a laboratory, where scientists first develop and test new ideas.
Many different types of organisation support clinical trials. These include:
- NHS
- Universities
- Medical Research Council and government departments/agencies
- Charities e.g. Cancer Research UK
- Pharmaceutical companies e.g. Novartis
NHS Lothian participates in an array of trials from pharmaceutical drug trials to small university feasibility studies, across a vast span of scientific disciplines. We strive to achieve a strong ethos of partnership working between NHS, Academia and Industry that continually enhances research, clinical and commercial opportunities within NHS Lothian.
This will aid in ensuring that Scotland remains an excellent research site, while helping us face the challenges of chronic disease.