Clinical Trials Day, held annually on May 20, is a time to recognize the critical role clinical trials play in advancing medical science and public health. Established by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) in 2014, the day commemorates the groundbreaking work of James Lind in 1747, who conducted the first recorded randomized clinical trial. 

Clinical Trials Day also honors the countless researchers, healthcare providers, and volunteer participants whose contributions lead to life-saving treatments and a better understanding of disease. The impact of clinical trials extends beyond laboratories and hospitals—they influence lives, inform policies, and shape the future of medicine.

A Legacy of Discovery: The Origins of Clinical Trials

The foundation of clinical trials dates back over two centuries to Scottish physician James Lind, who sought to combat the scourge of scurvy among sailors. Aboard the British Royal Navy ship H.M.S. Salisbury, Lind conducted a controlled experiment on 12 scurvy-afflicted sailors, dividing them into six groups and assigning different treatments. 

Those who received citrus fruits showed the most rapid and significant recovery, uncovering the vital link between vitamin C and health, though this nutrient’s identity was unknown at the time.

Lind’s innovative approach laid the groundwork for future scientific inquiry. By 1786, English physician Caleb Parry conducted a crossover trial, and in 1905, William Fletcher advanced the field with a randomized trial at a mental asylum in Kuala Lumpur. These early studies demonstrated the growing importance of structured experimentation in the pursuit of medical knowledge.

The Lifesaving Power of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential for validating whether new treatments are safe and effective in real-world settings. While preclinical research—often using animal models—offers valuable insights, only human trials can realistically determine how interventions perform in actual patients. Through methodical testing, clinical trials assess:

• Safety and tolerability for human use
• Efficacy in targeted populations
• Dosage accuracy and delivery methods
• Potential side effects and risk-benefit ratios
  

The results of these trials have ushered in groundbreaking advances, from vaccines for polio, measles, and influenza to treatments for cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. In the U.S. alone, more than 19,000 FDA-approved therapies owe their existence to this rigorous process.

Participation and Access: What You Should Know

Clinical trial participants are unsung heroes. Without their involvement, medical advancements would stall. However, many people are unaware of how trials operate or how to join. Here are key facts:

• Participation is entirely voluntary and can be ended at any time.
• Trials may involve new drugs or test existing ones for new uses.
• Some participants receive a placebo; blinding ensures unbiased results.
• Eligibility depends on specific criteria, such as age or medical history.
• Costs related to the trial are typically covered; compensation is sometimes provided.
  

Trials can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.

Whether you’ve taken aspirin, used medicated eye drops, or undergone dialysis or chemotherapy, clinical trials have touched your life. On May 20, we express our gratitude to those who make this work possible. Happy Clinical Trials Day!

Responsum Health. (2023, May 18). Why Celebrate Clinical Trials Day?. https://responsumhealth.com/blog/clinical-trials-day-2023/ 

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