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

The primary purpose of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is to ensure the rights, safety, and well-being of trial subjects. GCP is an international ethical and scientific quality standard for designing, conducting, recording, and reporting trials that involve human subjects. This framework is crucial because it helps to protect the participants who volunteer for clinical trials, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded and that they are treated ethically throughout the research process.

By adhering to GCP guidelines, researchers can ensure that participants are fully informed about the trial and provide consent without coercion. Additionally, GCP promotes the integrity of the data collected during the study, which is essential for validating the safety and efficacy of new treatments. Prioritizing participant welfare is paramount to maintaining public trust in clinical research, which ultimately supports the advancement of medical science and innovation.

The other choices, while relevant to aspects of clinical research, do not capture the core intent of GCP. For example, while speeding up the drug approval process, decreasing costs, and increasing the number of clinical trials are important considerations, they hinge on the foundation of ethical practice and participant protection that GCP establishes. Without ensuring the safety and rights of trial subjects, the credibility and ethical standing of clinical research come into question,