Discovery and development of drugs

• What is a drug?

  A substance that changes chemical reactions
• What are the primary uses of drugs?

  Treating diseases, relieving symptoms, curing infections
• From where did many drugs originally come?

  Plants or microorganisms
• How are modern drugs typically produced?

  They are often synthesized in laboratories
• What is the source and use of Digitalis?

  Foxglove plant; treats heart conditions
• What is the first antibiotic discovered?

  Penicillin
• Why are many modern drugs modified?

  For better effectiveness and safety
• What are the two main stages of drug development?

  Preclinical and clinical testing
• What is the purpose of preclinical testing?

  To ensure the drug is not toxic before human trials
• What types of subjects are used in preclinical testing?

  Cells, tissues, and live animals
• What is the purpose of Phase 1 clinical trials?

  Tests for safety and side effects
• What is the focus of Phase 2 clinical trials?

  Tests for effectiveness and dosage
• What is the goal of Phase 3 clinical trials?

  Confirms effectiveness and monitors side effects
• Why is dosage adjusted during testing?

  To find the optimum dose
• What is a double-blind trial?

  Neither patient nor doctor knows treatment
• What is a placebo?

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

  To prevent bias and allow fair comparison
• What happens if a drug passes all tests?

  It is licensed for public use
• What is done after a drug is mass-produced?

  It is continuously monitored for rare side effects
• What must drugs meet before public use?

  Safety regulations