Did you ever wonder how people get selected for clinical studies for new treatments? Now you can do some research of your own and see if there is a trial that might help your condition.

Clinical trials are medical research studies designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, medical procedures, or other types of treatment of diseases or conditions. The trials have strict guidelines for who may take part, including such factors as age, medical history, type of disease, and current medical condition.

The National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration have created a Web site that provides a wealth of information - everything from definitions to instructions on applying for participation in a trial near you. The site lists more than 5,500 studies that are under way in more than 47,000 locations around the country. Most of the research projects listed are federally funded, although new studies are being added all the time, including those that are privately funded.

For more information, visit the site at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

Related information: Treatment | Medications