T4: Drug testing

Question 1

Name the phases of modern drug testing

Answer 1

Pre clinical:
Tested on human tissues
Tested on animals
(check for toxicity or other major problems)

Clinical
1: Small group of healthy volunteers: side effects and dosage
2: Larger group of non healthy: Effectiveness of drug. Double blind placebo trial to see if drug actually does what is intended (desired significant effect)

3: Much larger group - compare to existing drugs

Question 2

Describe William Withering’s process of drug testing in the 1700s

Answer 2

Gave patients with oedema tea from digitalis from foxgloves
Noticed their oedema decreased
Gave them varying concentrations of this to see the effect on their oedema
Some patients died
Tried to find a concentration that reduced oedema without poisoning them