Clinical Trials
A scientifically designed and executed investigation of the effects of a drug (or vaccine) administered to human volunteers. The goal is to define the safety, clinical efficacy, and pharmacological effects (including toxicity, side effects, incompatibilities, or interactions) of the drug. The US government, through the FDA, requires strict testing of all new drugs and vaccines prior to their approval for use as therapeutic agents. (Source: amFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research)