What is the drug development life cycle?

The drug development life cycle is a multi-phase process that involves several key stages: discovery and preclinical research, where potential drug candidates are identified and tested in the lab and in animal studies; clinical trials, which are conducted in three phases to evaluate safety, efficacy, and dosage in human subjects; and regulatory review, where data is submitted to health authorities for approval. Upon receiving approval, the drug enters the manufacturing and marketing phase, followed by post-marketing surveillance to monitor long-term effects and efficacy. This comprehensive process can take over a decade and involves significant financial investment and collaboration across various scientific and regulatory disciplines.