Why was ClinicalTrials.gov created?

ClinicalTrials.gov is a public database that contains information on clinical trials conducted around the world. It was created to provide a centralized platform for researchers, doctors, and patients to search for available trials and learn more about them.

The database was first launched in 1997 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a result of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997. The act required the NIH to establish a registry of federally-funded clinical trials and make this information publicly available online.

ClinicalTrials.gov provides detailed information on each trial, including its purpose, eligibility criteria, location, sponsor, and contact information. It also includes information on recruitment status, study results, and publications related to the trial.

In addition to providing information on clinical trials, ClinicalTrials.gov also offers tools for searching and filtering trials based on various criteria, such as disease or condition, drug type, and study phase. It also allows users to sign up for email alerts when new trials are posted that meet their search criteria.

Overall, ClinicalTrials.gov serves as an important resource for anyone interested in participating in or learning more about clinical trials.