Drug Testing (4.13)

Question 1

State the stages involved in a modern clinical trial and give a reason/reasons for each stage

Answer 1

Pre-clinical trials are to test for safety and effectiveness (dosage amounts etc)
Clinical phase 1 (to test for distribution, excretion, metabolism)

Question 2

Compare and contrast the modern clinical trial procedure with the William Withering protocol

Answer 2

Similarities:
Both start with identifying useful substances
Both finish with the drug being for general use
Both test smaller groups before larger groups

Differences:
M: ingredients can be manufactured synthetically
W: cannot
M: includes independent review after phase 1
W: does not

Question 3

Explain what is meant by a ‘double blind trial’ and explain why it is necessary

Answer 3

Experiment where neither doctor or patient know who has the placebo or active drug. Prevents bias and allows drug to be compared

Question 4

Explain what is meant by a ‘placebo’ and explain why it is necessary

Answer 4

The placebo is a fake variable of a drug in order to establish a control group