A clinical trial is a scientific study of the effects, risks, efficacy and benefits of a medicinal product. Trials need to be carried out before a product reaches a hospital or the shelves of the local pharmacy. They are undertaken at various stages, or 'phases', and include: trials on healthy humans; trials on patients with a disease; and studies conducted after the launch of a new product to monitor safety and side-effects during large-scale use. Clinical trials are conducted by pharmaceutical companies or contract research organisations (CROs) on their behalf.
Typical work activities include:
The job of a clinical research associate (CRA) can vary tremendously. In some companies, you would be involved in the whole process: sitting down with the doctor who has the idea for a trial; working out a protocol; and writing up reports after the analysis has been done. In others, a medical adviser would initiate the trial - the CRA would become involved in collecting data once the trial has been set up.
About ICON plc
ICON plc is a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The Company specialises in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support clinical development - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. ICON teams have successfully conducted over 5500 development projects and consultancy engagements across all major therapeutic areas. ICON currently has over 6600 employees, operating from 71 locations in 38 countries.
Further information is available at www.iconplc.com