About clinical research

What is clinical research?

Clinical research takes place in clinical studies (also called clinical trials). It is critical for advancing the management or treatment of medical conditions and diseases. All potential medications must be examined in clinical studies before they can be approved and prescribed for people to use.

During a clinical study, researchers may want to find out various things about a study medication, such as:

• Its safety.
• Whether it has manageable side effects.
• If it can make people feel better or improve their condition.
• What dose might be most suitable.

Types of clinical studies

There are 4 steps in the clinical research process, called “phases”. Each phase has a different purpose to help researchers answer different questions. At each phase of development, health authorities check the results to see whether the study medication being tested can continue to the next phase.

When the study medication has passed 3 phases, it may be ready to be submitted for approval. Even if health authorities approve it for use by the general public, the medication still needs to be monitored. During this final phase (4), researchers test how well the medication works, often over a longer period, when it is used outside of a clinical research setting.

The LIVERAGE™ and LIVERAGE™ Cirrhosis Studies are both in Phase 3.

Who else is involved in clinical studies?

Clinical studies take place in clinics, hospitals, private practices, or surgeries. These are all called study sites. During a clinical study, you will be supported by a dedicated study team. This team typically consists of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. It may also include study coordinators and other staff. Each member of the study team is committed to closely monitoring your health and well-being.