Clinical Trials

The Sponsor

An individual or institution (frequently a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company) that initiates and oversees a clinical trial. 

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The Clinical Research Site

A clinic where participants are seen for their study visits and procedures, including but not limited to hospitals, private practices, academic centers, and dedicated research clinics. NOTE: Sites may conduct decentralized trials. They manage the trial results and conduct the trial according to the protocol. However, the trial occurs outside the traditional brick-and-mortar clinical site. 

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The Principal Investigator (PI)

The principal investigator prepares and carries out the clinical trial protocol (plan for the study) or research paid for by the sponsor. The principal investigator also analyzes the data and reports on

the sponsored research results. 

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The Study Coordinator

Clinical trial coordinators assist in finding patients or healthy volunteers who may be eligible to participate in a study. They are often the primary contact for the participating Patients and are responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the trial. 

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The Patient

A person who has enrolled to take part in a clinical trial. 

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Institutional Review Board (IRB)

IRBs are charged with providing an independent evaluation that the proposed research is ethically acceptable and evaluating compliance with regulations and laws designed to protect the Patient. This includes but is not limited to all publicly accessible clinical research trial materials, promotions, and supporting assets.