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Clinical Trials: Overview

Researchers around the world are searching for new therapies to treat, and one day cure, food allergies.   But how do they know which therapies are safe and effective? Clinical trials—studies that test potential treatments in human subjects—provide the answers. 

Before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a new drug or treatment, the agency requires that its safety and effectiveness be demonstrated in a series of clinical trials.  Unfortunately, researchers often struggle to recruit the patients needed to complete these studies.  In fact, a survey showed that 86% of all U.S. clinical trials fail to recruit the required number of participants on time.*  That means that the wait for therapies that could provide relief to millions of people—or even save lives—is getting longer and longer.

More food allergy clinical trials are being conducted than ever before.  As a person with food allergies—or as the parent of a food-allergic child—your participation in a clinical trial can make a real difference. You'll be contributing directly to the search for better therapies and a cure.  You’ll help researchers expand our understanding of food allergies.  And if the study results in a successful new therapy, you’ll be making a real difference in the lives of millions of people affected by food allergies—including yourself.

Of course, participating in a research study is a serious commitment.  This section of FAI’s Web site is designed to be your guide to clinical trials—how they’re conducted, which food allergy trials are seeking participants, and what you need to know to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate.   Over the coming months, we’ll be adding more information, including more descriptions of current trials and personal stories of study participants.     

Learn more:

• Current Food Allergy Clinical Trials
• How Clinical Trials Are Conducted
• Participating In a Clinical Trial:  What You Should Know
• Resources