Before a new medicine can be used widely it must be tested to make sure it is of benefit to patients and that it is safe. Clinical trials are the most reliable way of gathering this information. Over the years, new methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment have been developed through performing clinical trials and this has improved patient care. However, not all clinical trials result in new treatments becoming available. Sometimes the clinical trial will discover that the treatment does not work, or that there are too many side-effects.

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