GCSE Biology (AQA)

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New Drug Development

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Infection and Response Communicable Diseases

New Drug Development

2:13 Discovering and Developing Drugs
Spec 4.3.1.9
Previous Drug Discovery Next Clinical Trials
  • Most drugs are synthesized by chemists in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • The term "synthesized" means made.
  • Drug companies are large businesses with costly and lengthy development processes.
  • Drugs may start as chemicals extracted from plants.
  • The drug development process is slow and expensive because drugs must be tested and trialed for safety and effectiveness.
  • Steps in drug development include identifying, testing, and manufacturing the drug.
  • Drugs are tested for toxicity (harmful side effects), efficacy (effectiveness), and appropriate dosage.
  • Drugs undergo preclinical trials in laboratories on cells, tissues, and live animals to ensure no dangerous effects on humans.
  • Following preclinical trials, drugs enter the clinical phase where they are tested on humans.
  • Differences between preclinical and clinical trials include the types of tests and subjects (cells/animals vs. humans).

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