developing drugs Flashcards
Q: What are the three main stages in drug testing?
A: 1) Preclinical testing on human cells and tissues. 2) Testing on live animals. 3) Clinical trials on human volunteers
Q: What is the purpose of preclinical testing?
A: To test drugs on human cells and tissues in the lab and then on live animals to evaluate efficacy, toxicity, and optimal dosage.
Q: Why are live animals used in preclinical testing?
A: Because some drugs affect whole body systems, and testing on animals provides a more accurate representation of how the drug will work in a living organism.
Q: What does the law in Britain require for new drug testing?
A: Any new drug must be tested on two different live mammals.
Q: What happens after a drug passes animal testing?
A: It is tested on human volunteers in a clinical trial, starting with healthy individuals to check for harmful side effects.
Q: How is the dosage determined during clinical trials?
A: A very low dose is initially given to healthy volunteers, which is gradually increased based on safety and efficacy results.
Q: What is the goal of testing drugs on people suffering from the illness?
A: To find the optimum dose that is most effective with the fewest side effects.
