GSK UK Clinical Trials - Types of Trials

Types of Trials

It can take several years before a drug can be prescribed for patients as a form of medication. The medication has to undergo a series of studies to ensure that it is effective and well tolerated. The studies we undertake at our units are varied. Here are a few examples of the types of studies we run, in order to increase our knowledge about a study drug.

Fed and Fasted

We may need to understand whether the study drug will be absorbed with food or best given on an empty stomach.

Drug interaction studies

We need to know if the properties of a study drug are changed when given with commonly prescribed medications.

Bioavailability studies

Often we need to understand the rate and extent of absorption of a particular drug, so that we can work out the best dose and the number of times a day it needs to be given. These studies would involve collecting blood and urine samples (to measure the study drug level) at various time points after a dose of the drug.

Experimental medicine studies

Experimental studies can be used in early design stages to determine values for parameters used in performance models. E.g pain levels on a scale of 1 - 10