Biology Topic Practice

Drug Discovery & Development

Modern drugs are developed through a rigorous process of testing and trials to ensure they are safe and effective.

Can you name the three main things drugs are tested for?

What is Drug Discovery & Development?

"Drug discovery and development is the scientific process of identifying, testing, and verifying the safety and efficacy of new medicines."

Question 1

Which statement about the discovery of medicines is correct?

Question 2

Why are very low doses often used at the start of clinical trials?

Question 3

Why might a placebo be used in a double-blind clinical trial?

Testing Stages

Drugs are tested for toxicity, efficacy, and dosage.

Preclinical testing happens in laboratories on cells, tissues, and live animals.

Clinical trials use healthy volunteers and patients to verify safety and find the optimal dose.

Exam Tip

Double-blind trials involve giving some patients a placebo, but neither the patient nor the doctor knows who received the real drug.

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