International Clinical Trials Day

On May 20th, we commemorate the day in 1747 when James Lind initiated the first clinical trial to study the effectiveness of various remedies for scurvy. James Lind was a Scottish physician in the Royal Navy at a time when scurvy was a deadly disease among sailors. His controlled trial on the HMS Salisbury showed that scurvy was the result of a lack of vitamin C and could be cured with citrus fruits. His work led to the introduction of citrus fruits into the diets of British sailors, which ultimately helped eradicate scurvy from the Royal Navy.

James Lind (1716-1794), also known as the 'founder of naval hygiene in England'

Lind also advocated for better ventilation on ships, improved cleanliness, and the use of fumigation to improve sailors' health. His work is considered a foundational step in the development of modern clinical research and preventive medicine. Today, we want to celebrate his work by highlighting the importance of clinical trials in advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.