What is experimental medicine?

Experimental medicine, also known as early phase clinical research, is undertaken in people to better understand the cause of disease and/or test new treatments.  It precedes and informs the development of later phase clinical trials. Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) are dedicated and purpose built facilities with specialist clinical research and support staff from universities and NHS Trusts work together on patient-orientated commercial and non-commercial experimental medicine studies. Life science companies can access assistance for their studies throughout the research process from study design to data collection and management. CRFs are designed to support high-intensity studies and overnight stays. Learn more.