What is the objective of conducting clinical trials in biomedical research?

The objective of conducting clinical trials in biomedical research is primarily to evaluate new treatments' safety and effectiveness. This process is essential for determining whether a new drug, procedure, or therapy is both safe for human use and effective in treating a specific condition. Clinical trials are rigorously designed studies that follow a specific protocol, including phases of testing that help gather comprehensive data on how the treatment interacts with the body and how well it achieves its intended outcomes.

Evaluating safety involves monitoring participants for adverse effects and understanding any potential risks associated with the new treatment. Effectiveness is measured by comparing how well the new treatment works against a placebo or standard treatment. The outcomes of these trials are foundational for regulatory approvals and ultimately inform clinical guidelines on how to best treat patients.

In contrast, while promoting medical devices, improving diagnostic techniques, and assessing patient satisfaction are important aspects of healthcare, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of clinical trials, which is centered around safety and effectiveness assessment of new therapies.