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A
pilot study is a small-scale, preliminary research
study. For example, researchers who have discovered a new
drug may first test
its safety and effectiveness in a pilot study including a
few dozen subjects.
These individuals will be monitored closely to see if there
are signs that the drug is working as anticipated and that
any side effects
are kept to an acceptable minimum. If pilot studies are successful,
the drug must then be tested in larger-scale clinical
trials and then reviewed by the FDA
before it can be marketed in the US.
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain
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