Standards
Editorial Standards
TrialLineage is built on the principle that public trust requires editorial discipline. These standards govern how we source, present, and distinguish different types of information.
Source distinction
TrialLineage distinguishes clearly between the following types of information:
Public trial record facts
Information drawn directly from ClinicalTrials.gov, FDA filings, or equivalent regulatory databases. Presented as factual, with source attribution.
Peer-reviewed scientific background
Published research cited by DOI, PMID, or equivalent identifier. Represents the established scientific record as of the date cited.
Company or institutional announcements
Press releases, corporate filings, or institutional communications. Presented as claims from the source, not as verified conclusions.
TrialLineage interpretation
Our editorial synthesis connecting sources into a lineage narrative. Clearly marked as interpretation, not primary evidence.
Open questions and uncertainties
Explicitly flagged areas where evidence is incomplete, contested, or developing. Never smoothed over for narrative convenience.
Core principles
Citation-first standard
Every factual claim in a TrialLineage case page or concept explainer must be traceable to a primary source. We cite trial registrations, peer-reviewed publications, regulatory filings, or authoritative databases. Unsourced claims are not published.
Separation of signal, evidence, and interpretation
A signal (e.g., a new trial registration) is not the same as evidence (e.g., published efficacy data), which is not the same as interpretation (e.g., a lineage narrative connecting decades of work). We never conflate these layers.
Correction policy
If we publish an error of fact, we correct it promptly and transparently. Corrections are noted on the relevant page with the date of the correction.
No medical advice
TrialLineage is an educational resource. Nothing on this platform constitutes medical advice, treatment recommendations, or clinical guidance. Readers should consult qualified professionals for medical decisions.
Editorial independence
No donor, sponsor, or external party has editorial control over TrialLineage content. Financial support does not influence which cases are selected, how lineages are traced, or what conclusions are reached.
What this means in practice
- Every case page attributes its sources explicitly.
- Interpretation is labeled, not disguised as fact.
- Uncertainty is preserved, not hidden for clarity.
- We do not promote any therapy, company, or investment.
- Corrections are visible and dated.
- Donors support the platform, not the conclusions.