UC Davis Health
Clinical and Translational Science Center

How Clinical Research Makes a Difference | UC Davis CTSC

How Clinical Research Makes a Difference

  • Vaccines save the lives of 2.5 million children each year.
  • Since 1928, researchers have discovered and developed over 19 new types of antibiotics.
  • More than 35 antiretroviral treatments have been developed for HIV/AIDS.
  • In the past 10 years, nearly 300 new treatments have been developed for hard-to-treat diseases.
  • Survival rates for patients with cancer have increased dramatically.
  • National Institutes of Health-funded research has contributed to a 60 percent reduction in the death rates for coronary heart disease and stroke, a 40 percent decline in infant mortality over the past 20 years, and a 30 percent decrease in chronic disability among seniors.

To learn more about health statistics and the impact of diseases, visit the World Health Organization website.

  • Watch Videovideo icon
    people in a clinic

    Be a Part of Something Bigger

    Clinical research is where you can be a part of something bigger. Without clinical trials, critical advances in medicine, diagnostics, and prevention would not be possible. Their work helps save lives and advance treatment options for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis. Learn more by viewing this short video.

Did You Know . . .

  • It is estimated that every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer's Disease. By mid-century, it is projected that someone in the U.S. will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

    The number of new cancer cases per year is expected to rise to 23.6 million globally by 2030.

    Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2012, there were 14.1 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths worldwide.