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  • About Clinical Trials

New to Clinical Trials

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A clinical trial tests an experimental medicine to see how well it works for different groups of patients. We’re here to help explain various aspects of a clinical trial. Here are answers to the most common patient questions about the clinical trial process.
Research scientist conducting experiments in the laboratory, analyzing contents of a test tube

Purpose of a clinical trial

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Purpose of a clinical trial

New drugs are tested in clinical trials before they are approved by the FDA as a treatment.

How clinical trials work

Researcher in a laboratory, analyzing an experiment and making observations about the chemical reaction taking place
Clinical trial investigators follow specific research plans called protocols. Protocols are designed so key research questions can be answered by comparing different investigational treatments. Specific results from each treatment group are measured and then compared.
Researcher in a laboratory, analyzing an experiment and making observations about the chemical reaction taking place

What to expect in a clinical trial

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What to expect in a clinical trial

Each trial is different, so it’s important for you to understand the potential risks and potential benefits. Once enrolled in a trial, you will have a dedicated care team that is with you every step of the way – answering any questions and concerns you may have. Taking part in a clinical trial is voluntary. You may choose to leave the trial at any time.

Why should I participate?

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Clinical trials typically test new ways to treat a disease, so you’re potentially helping others and contributing to knowledge about the disease. Find out more about our trials and see if any might be a match for you.
A multi-generational family gathered together for a meal, laughing and enjoying each other's company

What happens when a clinical trial is over

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What happens when a clinical trial is over

When you finish a clinical trial, you may have many questions. Members of your care team, as well as the study coordinator or study investigator, are in the best position to help you plan what to do next. After a trial is over, we welcome you and your loved ones to participate in our clinical trial community and share what inspires you with others.

A Commitment to Increasing Diversity

A Commitment to Increasing Diversity

Bristol Myers Squibb is united by our mission to transform patient’s lives through science by discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help prevail over serious diseases. To that end, we are committed to doing our part to help ensure patients have a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health outcomes.

We are working to improve the recruitment of diverse patients with the goal that the clinical trial population becomes more reflective of the real-world population and the people impacted by the diseases studied.