Preclinical Testing - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Preclinical testing is the first stage in developing new medicines, where the drug is tested in the laboratory and on animals before being tested on humans. This testing helps scientists check if the drug is safe, effective, and works as expected. Researchers study how the drug affects cells, tissues, and live animals, looking at things like side effects, dosage, and how the drug moves through the body. Only if it passes preclinical testing can the drug move on to clinical trials involving people.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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