What role do clinical trials serve in biotechnology?

Clinical trials are a crucial step in the biotechnology development process, as they evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new therapies before they are made available to the public. During these trials, researchers gather data on how a new treatment interacts within the body, how well it performs in treating a specific condition, and whether it causes any adverse effects. The rigorous testing conducted in various phases of clinical trials ensures that only those therapies that meet safety and efficacy standards reach the market, thus safeguarding public health.

The other options describe roles that are not the primary focus of clinical trials. For example, determining profitability relates more to market analysis and business strategy, rather than the scientific assessment of therapies. Creating new biological products is more aligned with research and development stages prior to clinical trials. Finally, focusing on aesthetic applications does not capture the comprehensive aim of clinical trials, which span various therapeutic areas beyond aesthetic uses.