Once EB researchers identify a potential treatment in a laboratory setting, a successful clinical trial must be completed before it can be recognised as an approved treatment and made widely available to patients. 

Through the process of a clinical trial, EB researchers and medical professionals must demonstrate that the treatment is safe (or that the benefits outweigh the risks) and that it is more effective than current treatments (if any exist).

Not all EB research will reach the clinical trial stage. Studies known as basic or fundamental research aim to improve the understanding of EB. Translational research is focused on translating the findings from basic research into potential therapies for EB. If a potential EB therapy shows promise in the lab then the next stage will be a clinical trial. 

In research centres and hospitals around the world, much of the research into treatments for EB is now approaching the clinical trial phase.

To take part in any type of clinical trial, the first person to speak with is your own Doctor. They can talk to you about the trials they may be taking part in and assess if you may be medically suitable.