A distinction is made between basic research protocols, which aim to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, and clinical and therapeutic research protocols, which aim to evaluate the disease and test new treatments, or new therapeutic strategies compared to a reference treatment or placebo.

The inclusion of a patient in a research protocol can only be done after obtaining his or her agreement by reading and signing an informational document and an informed consent form. The implementation of a research protocol requires finding a sponsor, obtaining the agreement of an advisory committee for the protection of persons, and obtaining funding for the setting up and the practical implementation of the study.