A brief introduction to clinical research, from James Lind’s scurvy investigation in 1747 to today.
Basics of Medicine Development
Evidence-based medicineArticle
Evidence-based medicine combines clinical evidence and experience so that doctors and patients can make the best decisions on an individual basis.
Marketing authorisationArticle
Before a medicinal product can be marketed and sold, a marketing authorisation must be obtained from the relevent National Competent Authorities. The marketing authorisation application process can take one of two paths – the decentralised procedure, or the centralised procedure. In some cases in Europe, the centralised procedure is mandatory.
BiomarkersArticle
Biomarkers are indicators used in medical research to measure biological processes, disease processes, and responses to treatment. The use of biomarkers can improve the process of medicines development and help tailor treatments to individuals.
Phases of clinical developmentArticle
The four phases of clinical development are explained in terms of objectives and features.
Making a medicine. Step 3 and 4: Choosing a molecule or leadArticle
During lead generation, many molecules are tested for target interaction. These may then need to be altered, or optimised, in order to improve their effect on the target.
Making a medicine. Step 2: Target selectionArticle
During the target selection step of the medicines development process, scientists choose which abnormal process to focus on and correct in order to treat an illness.
Making a medicine. Step 10: Life-cycle managementArticle
Life-cycle management activities begin as soon as a medicine receives authorisation from the regulatory authorities. Research on the medicine continues in order to gather additional data on safety and investigate other possible indications that the medicine might treat.
Making a medicine. Step 9: Regulatory submissionArticle
After Phase III of clinical studies, all the information on a medicin is collected and organised in a pre-determiend format (a dossier), which is then submitted to the regulatory authorities. The regulatory authorities then decide whether or not a medicine can be prescribed to patients.
Making a medicine. Step 8: Confirmatory studiesArticle
Phase III clinical studies, or confirmatory studies, are the final confirmation of the safety and efficacy of a medicine before it can be launched on the market. Phase III studies are the largest, most complicated, and most expensive part of the medicines development process, and nearly 50% of medicines that enter this phase will fail.
