3.1 Developing new medicines

Question 1

What are new drugs tested on? List 4 in the right order.

Answer 1

Cells, tissues and organs in the lab If seems effective will be tested on

animals. If seems effective will be tested on

healthy human volunteers (given low dose to test for effects and side effects. If seems effective will be tested on

patients.

Question 2

What is a placebo?

Answer 2

A substance used in clinical trials which does not contain any of the drug being tested.

Question 3

What are double blind trials?

Answer 3

When neither the doctor nor patient know who is given a drug and who is given the placebo.

Question 4

Why is it important to conduct double blind trials?

Answer 4

To establish that is actually is the drug causing the effect, not other things, eg, the environment, patients just getting better without treatment. Can also check for side effects.

Question 5

Why is it important to test new drugs? 4

Answer 5

To find out if they actually cure the condition

Check for side effects.

To find the best dose

To check if they are toxic

Question 6

What is a drug which caused dreadful side effects are it had not been properly tested, and what was it originally used for. What problems did it cause?

Answer 6

Thalidomide, developed as sleeping pill, then used to treat morning sickness. Caused dreadful birth defects.

Question 7

What is a drug which caused dreadful side effects are it had not been properly tested, and what was it originally used for. What problems did it cause?

Answer 7

Thalidomide, developed as sleeping pill, then used to treat morning sickness. Caused dreadful birth defects. Still used but not for pregnant women