What happens to the drug at the end of the study, and what are the next steps for getting it to people?

After the trial is finished, researchers gather the data. The drug company's scientists then review the data to decide if further development is worthwhile. Some trials conclude at this stage if the drug is deemed ineffective. If the drug is effective, they will obtain a license for it.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approves trials in the UK, and the Food and the US Drug Administration (FDA) does the same. (EMA in Europe)

This means the regulatory authority has to agree that a drug is safe and effective before it can be licensed to treat a particular condition.

In the UK, the drug also needs to be reviewed by the NHS and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to ensure they agree with the MHRA about its safety and effectiveness. NICE also considers the cost of the medication involved, so they focus more on health economics.