Discovery and development of drugs

• Preclinical trials (stage 1)

  First undergo tests on human cells and tissues in the lab
• Preclinical trials (stage 2)

  The drug is tested on animals

  Tested for efficacy, toxicity, and dosage
• Efficacy

  How well it works
• Toxicity

  Potential harm
• Dosage

  The concentration and how often the drug needs to be taken
• Clinical trials (stage 3)

  Healthy patients receive drug to test for side effects at low dosages

  Dose gradually increases until optimum dose is reached
• Clinical trials (stage 4)

  The drug is administered to 2 groups

  Group 1- real drug

  Group 2- placebo

  Single-blind trial to prevent placebo effect

  Some tests are double-blind to prevent demand characteristics

  Peer review of subjects increases validity and reliability