🔬 Interactive tool
Find a clinical trial in Australia
There are currently 1,700+ trials recruiting participants across Australia. Most people don't know they could be eligible. This tool helps you search by condition and understand what participation actually involves — in plain English.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests a medical treatment, device, or approach in people. Trials help answer questions like: "Does this new drug work better than the current treatment?", "Is this vaccine safe?", or "Does this screening method detect cancer earlier?"
Every medicine you've ever taken was tested in a clinical trial before it was approved. Without participants, new treatments can't reach patients.
In Australia, clinical trials are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and must be approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before they can recruit anyone.
The four phases — what they mean for you
1
Safety
Small group (20–80). "Is it safe?" First use in humans.
2
Does it work?
Larger group (100–300). "Does it help, and at what dose?"
3
Confirm
Large (1,000–3,000+). Compared to standard treatment. Data for TGA approval.
4
After approval
Post-market. Long-term effects, real-world use, new populations.
Phase 3 trials are the most common for patients to join — the treatment has already shown promise in earlier phases and the trial compares it to the current standard of care.
Questions you're probably asking
Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
It depends on the trial design. Many trials compare the new treatment to the current best treatment — not to a sugar pill. Some are "open-label" (everyone knows what they're getting). The consent form will tell you the chances of receiving each option. You should never be denied standard treatment.
Does it cost me anything?
The trial treatment and study-related tests are almost always free. Some trials also cover travel and parking. Your usual Medicare-covered care continues separately. Ask the trial team about any out-of-pocket costs before you consent.
Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
Yes, always. Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular medical care. This is a legal right, not a favour — it's written into Australian research ethics guidelines.
What happens to my current treatment?
The trial team will discuss this with your GP or specialist. Some trials require you to continue your current treatment, some ask you to switch, and some add the new treatment on top. Your regular doctor stays involved in your care.
How much time does it take?
This varies widely — from a one-off visit to regular check-ups over months or years. The consent form lists the visit schedule. Ask the team: "How many visits? How long is each one? Can any be done by telehealth?"
Is it safe?
All trials in Australia must be approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and regulated by the TGA. The trial team monitors you closely — often more closely than standard care. But all treatments carry some risk, and experimental treatments have unknown risks. The consent form must explain known risks.
How do I find one?
Use the search tool at the top of this page — type your condition and we'll find recruiting trials with Australian sites. You can also ask your GP or specialist: "Are there any trials for my condition?" Doctors often know about local trials but won't mention them unless asked.
Do I need a referral?
Usually no formal referral, but the trial team will need to confirm you're eligible. Many trial coordinators welcome direct enquiries. Your GP can also contact them on your behalf — some trials prefer a doctor-to-doctor conversation first.
Your rights as a participant
✅Informed consent. Everything must be explained to you in language you understand — not just medical jargon. You must receive a written consent form to take home and read before agreeing.
✅Withdraw any time. You can leave at any point. Your regular care is not affected. No penalties, no guilt.
✅Privacy. Your personal information is protected under Australian privacy law. Trial results are published as group data — you won't be individually identified.
✅Know the risks. All known risks and side effects must be disclosed before you consent. If new risks emerge during the trial, you must be told.
✅Compensation for injury. If you're harmed as a result of the trial, you may be entitled to compensation. Ask the trial team about their insurance/indemnity arrangements before consenting.
✅Ask questions. You can ask anything, at any time. The trial coordinator is your first point of contact. You can also contact the ethics committee that approved the trial.
Source: NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023 update). Australian Clinical Trial Handbook — TGA.
Where to search — Australian trial registries
ANZCTR — Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. The official Australian registry. Has all trials registered in Australia, including those not on international databases. Research-grade interface — powerful but not built for patients.
ClinicalTrials.gov — the world's largest trial database (US-based). Many Australian trials are also registered here, especially pharma-sponsored ones. The search tool above queries this database filtered to Australian sites.
Your GP or specialist. Doctors often know about local trials and can recommend ones appropriate for your situation. This is the best starting point — especially because they know your full medical history and can assess whether a trial is right for you.
💬 How to ask your GP about clinical trials
Most GPs are supportive of clinical trials but won't bring them up unless asked. Here are some ways to start the conversation:
"I've been reading about clinical trials for [condition]. Are there any that might be appropriate for me?"
"I found a trial on ClinicalTrials.gov — could you look at the eligibility criteria with me?"
"I'm interested in trying newer treatments. Is a trial worth considering for my situation?"
Your GP can help you weigh up whether a trial is appropriate given your specific health situation, other medications, and personal circumstances. They can also help coordinate between the trial team and your regular care.
🩺 For clinicians — trial referral tips
Proactive mention matters. Most patients don't know trials exist for their condition. A brief mention — "there are some trials recruiting for this, would you like me to look into it?" — can open a conversation that leads to options they'd never have found alone.
ANZCTR search by recruiter location can be filtered to your state. ClinicalTrials.gov allows searching by city.
Consider mentioning trials at: new diagnosis of a condition with limited options, treatment failure or intolerance, rare diseases where standard care is limited, cancers where access to novel agents through trials may offer benefit.
The GP's role: coordinate with the trial team, manage non-trial medications, provide medical history, monitor between trial visits. Most trial teams welcome a proactive GP relationship.
Sources. Australian Clinical Trials — australianclinicaltrials.gov.au (Dept of Health).
ANZCTR — Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
ClinicalTrials.gov — U.S. National Library of Medicine. NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023). TGA Australian Clinical Trial Handbook.
This page is general information about clinical trials. It does not recommend any specific trial or treatment. Talk to your GP or specialist before joining a trial.
Last verified: July 2026.