What is the main purpose of the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines?

The primary purpose of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines is to ensure the safety, integrity, and quality of clinical trials. GCP provides a framework for conducting research that protects the rights and welfare of trial participants while ensuring that the data collected is credible and reliable. By adhering to these standards, clinical trials are carried out systematically, minimizing risks to participants and ensuring that the results are valid and can be used to support regulatory submissions.

While scientific validity is an important aspect of clinical trials, it is one part of the overarching goals of GCP, which focus on participant safety and the integrity of the research process. Financial support for clinical research and the approval of new medical products are important, but they fall outside the specific scope of GCP guidelines. The emphasis on quality in the conduct of trials also plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust in clinical research and ensuring adherence to ethical standards.