Drug development pipeline

The drug development pipeline is the series of steps taken to create a new medication. It starts with basic research to understand diseases and identify potential treatment targets. Next, scientists perform preclinical studies in labs and on animals to test safety and effectiveness. If successful, the drug moves to clinical trials involving human volunteers, starting with a small group and expanding to larger populations to monitor effects and side effects. After completing trials, developers submit data to regulatory agencies for approval. If approved, the drug can be manufactured and marketed to patients, completing the pipeline.