Research at Loma Linda University Health

Across the entities of Loma Linda University Health, researchers conduct numerous clinical trials and human studies to work toward finding cures and transforming lives through clinical research.  Clinical studies encompass a wide variety of approaches.  Some studies investigate the particular use of a drug or device, while others may observe lifestyle and/or behavioral changes.

Every study is reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that all federal, state, and institutional policies are adhered to.  The IRB review works to ensure that all study participants are treated in an ethical manner.  Studies posted to this website have been approved by the IRB.

Understanding Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Clinical trials may also compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available.

Every clinical trial has a protocol, or action plan, for conducting the trial. The plan describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary. Each study has its own rules about who can participate. Some studies need volunteers with a certain disease. Some need healthy people. Others want just men or just women.

In the United States, an independent committee of physicians, statisticians and members of the community must approve and monitor the protocol. They make sure that the risks are small and are worth the potential benefits.*

Research that Makes a Difference

Dr. Aaen and Juan Garcia standing with hands folded in front of a math board

When MS attacks children and teens

There are many studies taking place every day here at Loma Linda University. Here is one example of the breakthroughs that are made by the Researchers who strive to find answers and the Research Participants who agree to help find them.
Read More

Debunking the myths about clinical trials

Lab workers

Addressing the common beliefs

There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to the topic of cancer clinical trials. Thousands of clinical trials are conducted annually, and along with them come nearly as many misconceptions.
Read More

Making the Choice

Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. This page offers information to help you to choose if participation in a clinical trial is right for you. In addition to the information provided here we encourage you to speak with your primary care physician and your family.

*Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health

NLM Copyright Information:  Government information at NLM Web sites is in the public domain. Public domain information may be freely distributed and copied, but it is requested that in any subsequent use the National Library of Medicine (NLM) be given appropriate acknowledgement. When using NLM Web sites, you may encounter documents, illustrations, photographs, or other information resources contributed or licensed by private individuals, companies, or organizations that may be protected by U.S. and foreign copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use as defined in the copyright laws requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Specific NLM Web sites containing protected information provide additional notification of conditions associated with its use.