Clinical trials are regulated research studies that try to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. These critical studies answer specific questions about new interventions—which can be new vaccines, drugs and devices—and measure their effectiveness and safety for patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates clinical trials in the U.S.
Get answers to your questions and learn where to find clinical trials.
Questions and Answers about Clinical Trials
Where to Find a Clinical Trial
Your doctor may be able to help you find a clinical trial. You can also search for clinical trials online. The American Lung Association wants our patient and caregiver visitors to be aware of the following clinical trial programs:
- American Lung Association's clinical trials listing
- CenterWatch Clinical Trial Research Center. One of the largest listings of clinical trials actively recruiting patients. CenterWatch provides patients and their advocates information on clinical trials, specific drugs, as well as other essential health and educational resources.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. A registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the U.S. and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from healthcare professionals. is a service of the U.S. government.
- ResearchMatch. A national registry designed to promote the completion of clinical trials by matching volunteers interested in research with researchers nationwide. Funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Science, which is part of the NIH, ResearchMatch is disease-neutral and institution neutral so that participants with and without health problems can be included and valued.
Airways Clinical Research Center (ACRC) Clinical Trials
The Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) is a Lung Association-sponsored research program that conducts large clinical trials that directly impact asthma and COPD treatment, and patient care. The network is the largest of its kind outside the pharmaceutical industry. Learn more and see a list of locations.
Lung Cancer Clinical Trials
Download our checklist to help you talk with your doctor about clinical trials.
You can also search the Lung Cancer Clinical Trials Matching Service, provided by a partnership between the American Lung Association and EmergingMed. Patients can search for clinical trials that match their specific diagnosis and treatment history. Also, join the Lung Cancer Registry, which may help match you with clinical trials that might be right for your type of lung cancer.
COPD Clinical Trials
The American Lung Association has joined forces with the COPD Foundation to share the COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (COPD PPRN). The COPD PPRN is an opportunity for individuals living with COPD to join a community of people who want to revolutionize research by sharing the impact COPD has on their lives. By joining the COPD PPRN, this registry will serve as a clinical research resource for researchers including the Airways Clinical Research Center to further COPD research for millions.
Page last updated: July 18, 2022