drug development and testing

• What are the two main uses of drugs mentioned in the video?

  Relieve symptoms and help cure diseases
• What have microorganisms and plants evolved to produce?

  A range of substances that kill pathogens
• How do we utilize substances from microorganisms and plants?

  Use them directly or modify them in a lab
• What is aspirin originally developed from?

  • A chemical found in willow tree bark
• What is digitalis used to treat?

  • Heart problems like heart failure
• What is the origin of penicillin?

  A substance produced by the fungus penicillium
• What are the three main aspects to consider when testing drugs?

  Efficacy, toxicity, and dosage
• What does efficacy refer to in drug testing?

  How well the drug produces the desired effect
• What does toxicity refer to in drug testing?

  How harmful the drug is to cells
• What does dosage refer to in drug testing?

  The amount or concentration of the drug given
• What are the three main stages of drug testing?

  1. Testing on human cells and tissues
  2. Testing on live animals
  3. Clinical testing on humans
• What is the benefit of testing drugs on human cells and tissues?

  It allows for easy and cheap testing
• Why is testing on live animals important?

  It gives insight into efficacy and toxicity
• What types of mammals must drugs be tested on in the UK?

  Two different types like mice and rabbits
• What is the first step in clinical testing?

  Giving drugs to healthy volunteers at low doses
• What is the aim of increasing the dose during clinical testing?

  To find the maximum dosage before side effects
• What is the goal of finding the optimum dosage?

  Maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity
• What is the purpose of using a placebo in clinical trials?

  • To compare effects with the real drug
  • To avoid bias in reporting side effects
• What does it mean for a trial to be blind?

  Participants do not know which treatment they receive
• What is a double-blind trial?

  Neither doctors nor participants know treatments
• Why is peer review important after drug testing?

  To ensure tests were fair and valid
• What is the final step after drug testing is complete?

  Results are written up and peer-reviewed
• What is the significance of avoiding unconscious bias in trials?

  • Ensures accurate reporting of side effects
  • Maintains integrity of the trial results