Pre-clinical development

Pre-clinical development, often abbreviated as preclinical studies or nonclinical studies, is a stage of research that precedes clinical trials (testing in humans) and is part of the process of developing new medications, vaccines, or medical devices. The main goals of pre-clinical studies are to determine the safe dose for first-in-human study and to assess a product's safety profile. On the basis of their nature, duration, and especially their applicability to humans, pre-clinical studies can be divided into two categories: in vitro studies and in vivo studies.

Overview

Pre-clinical development involves a series of structured activities that assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion), and potential toxicity through animal testing and laboratory experiments. These studies also evaluate the product's efficacy in disease or condition models, which helps in understanding the mechanism of action and potential side effects.

Regulatory Framework

Globally, pre-clinical development is governed by regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe, and other national agencies. These organizations establish guidelines that dictate the conduct of pre-clinical studies to ensure safety and ethical treatment of test subjects. Compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a critical aspect of pre-clinical development, ensuring the quality and integrity of the data generated.

In Vitro Studies

In vitro studies are performed with microorganisms, cells, or biological molecules outside their normal biological context. These studies are crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and understanding the basic biology of a disease. In vitro assays can provide valuable information on a compound's efficacy, mechanism of action, and potential toxicity.

In Vivo Studies

In vivo studies involve testing the drug candidate in living organisms, typically animals. These studies are essential for evaluating the overall safety profile, including toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the compound. Common animal models include mice, rats, rabbits, and non-human primates, chosen based on their similarity to human physiology in the aspect being studied.

Ethical Considerations

The use of animals in pre-clinical research raises ethical concerns. Regulatory bodies and research institutions enforce strict guidelines to ensure humane treatment of laboratory animals. The principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) are applied to minimize animal use and suffering.

Transition to Clinical Development

Successful completion of pre-clinical development does not guarantee that the drug will proceed to clinical trials. The data from pre-clinical studies are compiled into an Investigational New Drug (IND) application or equivalent, which is submitted to regulatory authorities for approval to begin human testing. The transition from pre-clinical to clinical development is a critical step, requiring thorough analysis and documentation of all pre-clinical data.

See Also

• Drug discovery
• Clinical trial
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology