new medicines

• What are the two main sources of new drugs?

  Plant extracts and laboratory synthesis
• How do scientists use computer modelling in drug development?

  To produce lists of compounds for targeting conditions
• What are the steps involved in laboratory testing of new drugs?

  1. Testing on cells and tissues
  2. Testing on animals
• Why do some people consider laboratory testing ethically wrong?

  Because it involves destroying embryos
• What is the purpose of clinical trials?

  To test drugs on humans for safety and efficacy
• What are the stages of clinical trials for new drugs?

  1. Tested on healthy volunteers for side effects
  2. Tested on a small sample with the condition for efficacy and dosage
  3. Tested on a larger group for safety, efficacy, and dosage
• What is the placebo effect?

  Feeling better due to expectations
• How do double-blind clinical trials work?

  • Neither doctor nor volunteer knows who receives the drug or placebo
  • Removes bias and checks for actual drug effects
• What is a placebo?

  A substance with no active ingredients
• Why are placebos used in clinical trials?

  To control for the placebo effect
• What is the significance of double-blind trials in drug testing?

  They eliminate bias from expectations