Discovery and Development of Drugs

• What is preclinical testing?

  Testing drugs using cells, tissues, and live animals
• What is the purpose of clinical trials?

  To test the drug's efficacy and safety on volunteers and patients
• What is a placebo?

  A substance that appears to be a drug but has no active ingredient
• What is the role of peer review in drug testing?

  To check for repeatability and validity of results
• What do drugs need to be tested for?

  Toxicity, efficacy, dose, preclinical testing and clinical testing
• How can chemicals that plants use to kill pests and pathogens be used else where?


  To treat symptoms or human disease
• How is aspirin used and what does it originate from?


  Painkiller, originates from willow
• What is digitalis used for and where does it originate from?


  Treat heart problems, originates from foxgloves
• How was penicillin discovered?


  Alexander Fleming was growing bacteria on plates

  He found mould which is penicillin mould on his culture plates with clear rings around the mould indicating there was no longer any bacteria there

  He found the mould was producing a substance called penicillin which killed bacteria
• Why do new drugs that are being developed need to be tested?


  To ensure they’re safe and effective