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Pivotal Trial

Meaning

A pivotal trial represents a definitive, late-phase clinical study, typically a Phase 3 investigation, meticulously designed to generate robust evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of a new therapeutic intervention for regulatory approval. These trials are instrumental in demonstrating whether a pharmaceutical agent, medical device, or novel therapeutic strategy delivers its intended clinical benefit with an acceptable risk profile across a substantial and representative patient population. The outcomes from pivotal trials serve as the foundational data upon which regulatory bodies base their critical decisions regarding market authorization and patient access.