What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are used to investigate drugs or treatment methods that are suspected to be therapeutically effective but have not yet been sufficiently researched. To conduct clinical trials, doctors must be qualified as investigators. Similarly, non-medical staff must be qualified as study assistants. The focus is on compliance with high medical, scientific and ethical standards when researching new drugs and therapeutic procedures. Clinical studies are used – in addition to investigating efficacy – to weigh up the benefits and risks of new drugs, medical technology and treatment procedures.

Clinical studies are usually carried out in collaboration between various ALS centers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and study organizations and with the active participation of ALS patients.