Preclinical development

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Preclinical development refers to the stage of research that takes place before a drug is tested on humans. This phase involves laboratory experiments, testing on animals and applications for regulatory status.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Preclinical development is a crucial phase in the drug development process. It involves a series of tests and evaluations to determine the safety and efficacy of a new drug before it is tested on humans. This phase is designed to minimize the risks associated with new drugs and to ensure that they have the potential to provide significant health benefits.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of preclinical development involves several steps. First, the drug is tested in the laboratory to determine its potential effects on the body. This includes tests to determine the drug's pharmacodynamics (how the drug affects the body) and pharmacokinetics (how the body processes the drug).

Next, the drug is tested on animals to evaluate its safety and efficacy. This is known as in vivo testing. The results of these tests are used to predict how the drug might behave in humans.

Finally, the data from these tests is used to apply for Investigational New Drug (IND) status from regulatory authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. If granted, the drug can proceed to clinical trials.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Preclinical development is a complex and challenging process. It requires a deep understanding of biology, chemistry, and pharmacology, as well as strict adherence to regulatory guidelines. Furthermore, the results of preclinical testing do not always accurately predict the effects of a drug in humans, which can lead to failures in later stages of development.

See also[edit | edit source]

Preclinical development Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD