What does "research Stage IIb" mean?

Question

What does "research Stage IIb" mean?

Answer 1

It is 2(b) and refers to one of the stages of testing before a new drug is released onto the market. By this stage the drug will have been shown to be useful and this phase assesses its target population - i.e. of those people with the condition intended for it to treat - their age, s*x etc as appropriate. Phase 3 follows which is the main safety and efficacy trials.

The link below gives more information.

Answer 2

Could be  "two b" or "eleven b" but I would guess it relates to medical testing (drug approvals process) ..