In Phase I trials a drug is tested for the first time in a small group of healthy volunteers mainly to determine the early safety profile as well as to gather information on the pattern of drug distribution and absorption, metabolism and other pharmacologic actions of the drug in the body. These studies are carried out at dedicated research facilities, such as the Chiltern Clinical Research Unit.
Phase III clinical trials are large scale, multi-center studies that are carried out in a large number of patients with the target disease. In these types of studies it is important to gather enough data to statistically demonstrate the efficacy of the drug and further safety information. This information is required by the regulatory authorities, who will examine in it in deciding whether to approve the new medicine in their country.
In Phase II clinical trials the drug is tested for the first time in patients with the actual disease condition of interest. In these types of trials information is collected on the initial efficacy of the drug, its optimal dosage and further details concerning its safety. Phase II clinical trials are carried out at multiple investigator sites and are often international.
Even after a drug has been approved, clinical studies continue to be conducted in order to gather more information on the drug used in the general population. These types of studies are known as Phase IIIb or Phase IV clinical trials. They are structured to obtain long-term safety data on the drug in specific or additional patient populations, data for different formulations or even to gather economic information on the use of the new drug.