It seems that every week and sometimes even everyday on the news there is a story about advances in medical science. News reports often sensationalize the results of medical research studies, often times before they are even completed. Unfortunately, while many clinical studies provide valuable data and lead to the creation of life saving drugs and medical treatments, the vast majority of trials do not. It takes many studies to prove a new drug or medical technique successful, and many studies will not have the longevity needed in order to successfully prove a claim. Sometimes this is because the drug or medical technique is proven ineffective, and other times it is an issue of inadequate funding.
However, while many paid clinical trials will not lead to new drugs or medical treatments (even those that at first appear promising), it is important to remember that clinical studies are an integral part of making advances in medicine. If one day a cure for a devastating disease like cancer, aids or diabetes is found, it will almost certainly be the result of thousands of hours of lab work and research studies being done.
