A research study may show that the study drug is better than, as good as, or worse than the standard treatment or inactive placebo (looks like the study drug but contains no active ingredient). Qualified doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are responsible for conducting the study.
It is only through the completion of research studies that study drugs can be evaluated and, if proven safe and effective, approved for a particular use. Different regulatory bodies in different countries will provide this approval after a thorough review. Prescription medications in use today were first proven safe and effective during research studies.