What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are a roadmap for testing new therapies. Researchers meticulously plan and conduct clinical trials to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new medical interventions.

Understanding the phases of clinical trials

Treatments under investigation go through several phases. Each phase has a different purpose. As a participant, you will not go through every phase.

Phase I: Dose and safety

Phase I trials focus on safety and finding the best dose. These studies involve a small number of people with a specific condition or disease, and the goal is to evaluate safety by identifying the most common and serious adverse events associated with the treatment, which can be a drug, a device, or a cell or gene therapy.

Phase II: Effectiveness

Phase II trials focus on effectiveness (whether the therapy works) in a larger number of people. Safety remains a primary concern, and researchers closely monitor short-term responses.

Phase III: Comparison to existing treatment

Phase III trials compare the treatment under investigation to existing treatments in even larger populations. Researchers may also study the drug in combination with other medications. The goal is to gather definitive information about the treatment effectiveness and its safety. In most cases, an intervention will move into phase III testing only after it has shown promise in phase I and phase II trials and, if successful, will support the transition into clinical use.

Phase IV: Approved and available

Phase IV studies occur after the therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is available to the public. The purpose is to gather additional safety information. These include post-market requirements and commitment studies, which are typically required of or agreed upon by the study sponsor.

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Privacy Policy

University of California, Irvine - Study Information Sheet

UCI Center for Clinical Research Potential Participant Database

Lead Researcher
Maheswari Senthil, MD
UCI Center for Clinical Research

In the instance of parental permission, “You” refers to “Your child.”

  • Please read the information below and ask questions about anything that you do not understand. A
    researcher listed above will be available to answer your questions.
  • You are being asked to participate in a clinical research potential participant database to identify
    potential clinical research studies you may be eligible for. Participation in this database is voluntary.
    You may choose to skip any question. You may refuse to participate or discontinue your involvement
    at any time without penalty or loss of benefits. You are free to withdraw from this database at any
    time. If you decide to withdraw from this database you should notify the research team
    immediately    .
  • You are eligible to participate in this study if you may be interested in participating in a research trial at UCI Health
  • We would like to interview you to learn more about your eligibility for current clinical research studies at UCI. The interview will last about 5-30 minutes, depending on the extent of your medical history.
  • Possible risks/discomforts associated with the database are hearing about potential clinical research studies that may not be of interest to you, invasion of your privacy, or a potential breach of confidentiality.
  • There are no direct benefits from participation in the database. However, this database may help inform you on clinical research studies that you may be eligible for. Participation in UCI clinical research studies help us gain important data and knowledge that may lead to improved treatment options for people with similar conditions to you in the future.
  • There are no alternative procedures available. The only alternative is not to participate in this study.
  • There is no compensation for your participation in this database.
  • There is no cost to you for participation in this database.
  • All information collected will be stored confidentially in a world-class securely-hosted application, “RealTime CTMS,” with robust data protections and encryption. This application has HIPAA compliant architecture and application rules to ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance.
  • Researchers will use your information to assess your eligibility for current and future clinical research studies at UCI. You may opt out at any time.
  • The research team, authorized UCI personnel, and regulatory entities, may have access to your study records to protect your safety and welfare.
  • While the research team will make every effort to keep your personal information confidential, it is possible that an unauthorized person might see it. We cannot guarantee total privacy.
  • Future Research Use
    Researchers will use your information to conduct this study. Once the study is done using your information, we may share them with other researchers so they can use them for other studies in the future. We will not share your name or any other private identifiable information that would let the researchers know who you are. We will not ask you for additional permission to share this de-identified information
  • Data Retention - In accordance with UC Office of the President policy, information will be retained for 10 years after the end of the calendar year in which the research is completed.
  • If, during the course of this study, significant new information becomes available that may relate to your willingness to continue to participate, this information will be provided to you by the research team listed at the top of the form.
  • If you have any comments, concerns, or questions regarding the conduct of this research please contact the researchers listed at the top of this form
  • Please contact the UCI Institutional Review Board by phone, (949) 824-8170, by e-mail at IRB@research.uci.edu or at 160 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-7600 if you are unable to reach the researchers listed at the top of the form and have general questions; have concerns or complaints about the research; have questions about your rights as a research subject; or have general comments or suggestions.
What is an IRB? An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee made up of scientists and nonscientists. The IRB’s role is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research. The IRB also assures that the research complies with applicable regulations, laws, and institutional policies. UCI