Read our new 3-part blog series on the process of new therapeutic drugs coming to the marketplace.
The journey of a new therapeutic drug coming to the marketplace is a complex and lengthy process that typically involves several key stages. The first part of this discussion will focus on the initial phases, including drug discovery and preclinical research.
Drug Discovery:
The process of bringing a new therapeutic drug to market begins with drug discovery. This stage involves identifying and validating potential drug targets, which are specific molecules or biological processes associated with a disease. Researchers may use various methods, including laboratory experiments and computational modeling, to identify compounds that have the potential to interact with these targets.
Preclinical Research:
Once promising drug candidates are identified, preclinical research is conducted to assess their safety and efficacy in laboratory and animal models. This phase involves rigorous testing to determine if the candidate drug has the desired therapeutic effects and to evaluate potential side effects or toxicities. Researchers aim to gather sufficient evidence to support the initiation of clinical trials in humans.
Key Points:
- Drug discovery involves identifying potential drug targets related to a specific disease.
- Preclinical research includes testing drug candidates in laboratory and animal models.
- The primary goal is to assess safety, efficacy, and potential side effects.
Stay tuned to see our next blog to understand the role that clinical trials play.
Photo courtesy ShutterStock/Gorodenkoff
