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What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study of new or improved medications. Before a medication is marketed, it is researched extensively. That is what we do at ICON.

The route from laboratory to pharmacy

This is how new medications are researched

When a new medicine is developed, the developer first researches it extensively in a lab. A trial involving people only follows if the results of that research are good and the substance appears to be safe for humans. This is done in different phases.

It takes many years before a new drug may be dispensed. In the Netherlands, ICON primarily conducts Phase 1 trials. Sometimes we also conduct Phase 2 trials. 

  1. Low doses on healthy people

    Phase 1

    ICON tests the medication at low doses on healthy people. At our research center, we study how the body tolerates the drug, whether there are side effects and how it is absorbed and eliminated by the body.

  2. On a small scale in patients

    Phase 2

    We study the medication on a small scale in people who actually need the medicine. This could be people with asthma, diabetes or Parkinson's disease, for example. During this phase, we look at whether the drug works and what the correct dose is.

  3. With a large group of patients

    Phase 3

    The medicine is tested on a large group of patients. During this phase, the action of the drug and the exact correct dose are studied. We also gain a better understanding during this phase of potential side effects and the action of the drug in combination with existing medicines. These trials are often conducted in hospitals. If the trial results are good, the drug is registered as a medicine. That means that doctors can prescribe it.

  4. Continuous investigation

    Phase 4

    Even after the new medication is on the market, it is still investigated. This allows it to become better and more effective.

Research into existing medications

ICON also studies existing medications. For example, we study new forms of administration or combinations. We also study medicines that have already been approved and are available in other countries but that require extra research before they can be provided in the Netherlands or Europe as well.

Watch current trials

Without research no new medicines

New research would not be possible without participants like you. And that would mean there would be no new medicines for patients.

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