The badge system on clinicaltrials.eu was created to help patients make informed decisions when evaluating clinical trials. Each badge corresponds to a specific criterion that can be important for participant safety or potential therapeutic benefit. Badges are not a rating or quality score — they serve as informational indicators that highlight relevant features of a study.

Below we explain what each badge means and why it matters from the patient’s perspective.

No Placebo

This badge is awarded to clinical trials that do not include a placebo group. In these trials, all participants receive the active substance instead of an inactive control.

Why is this important for patients?

• In placebo-free trials, every participant receives active treatment, which eliminates the risk of being assigned to a non-treatment group.
• For patients seeking access to active interventions, this can be a critical consideration.
• Participating in a study without a placebo arm may increase comfort and satisfaction, knowing that the treatment being received has potential therapeutic effects.

You can also find a dedicated article on our website about the role of placebo in clinical trials if you would like to learn more.

Trial Phase

This badge indicates the phase of the clinical trial: Phase 1, 2, 3, or 4. Each phase provides important context about the study’s purpose and how much is already known about the product being tested.

What does each phase mean?

• Phase 1: First-in-human trials, usually involving a small number of healthy volunteers. The main focus is on safety and dosage.
• Phase 2: Tests effectiveness and continues safety evaluation, typically with patients affected by the target condition.
• Phase 3: Large-scale trials comparing the new treatment to standard therapies or placebo. This is the final stage before regulatory approval.
• Phase 4: Post-marketing studies conducted after the treatment is approved, monitoring long-term safety and real-world effectiveness.

Why is this relevant to patients?

• It shows how far the treatment has progressed in development.
• Later phases typically mean more data is available and the risks are better understood.
• Patients looking for more established treatment options may prefer studies in Phase 3 or 4.

You can learn more about the different trial phases in our educational article on the topic.

Registered Product

This badge indicates that the clinical trial involves a product already registered for a specific indication. These studies often explore new uses, improved dosing, or different populations for an approved treatment.

Why does this matter to patients?

• The product has already undergone full regulatory evaluation.
• Detailed safety and efficacy documentation is available.
• The long-term safety profile is known from clinical use.
• Patients may feel more confident participating in a study involving a product that’s already on the market.

Verified Recruitment

This badge is awarded to studies where the recruitment status has been directly confirmed by the clinical site. It means that we have been in contact with the site and verified that the study is currently open to new participants.

Why is this important?

• We have direct communication with the facility conducting the trial.
• We’ve confirmed that recruitment is ongoing and that the listing is accurate.
• The study information is up to date and reflects the actual status.
• This helps patients act quickly and connect with an active site without delays.

Summary

The badge system on clinicaltrials.eu was designed with patients in mind. Each badge reflects a clearly defined attribute of the study and helps make key characteristics easier to understand. Badges are not meant to judge or rank trials — they are a support tool to assist in making informed decisions. Always consult with a healthcare professional when considering participation in a clinical trial.