Clinical trials - Historical development, regulation and updated data

Medical research is a broad discipline in which clinical trials bridge between research and practice. During the 20th century, modern concerns regarding the ethical and clinical aspects of clinical trials led to the development of international standards and regulatory procedures that guide research in clinical trials. The rapid development of pharmaceuticals, biological products and medical devices facilitates an increase in the number and magnitude of the clinical trials that are performed worldwide. This overview surveys the historical and regulatory basics of clinical trials, and provides data on the extent and costs of clinical trials conducted throughout the past years, with a special emphasis on Israel.