Skip to main content

Preclinical Development

Meaning

Preclinical development is the initial, non-human phase of drug research and development where a potential therapeutic compound is rigorously tested to define its biological activity, safety profile, and pharmacological characteristics. This crucial stage involves extensive in vitro studies using cell culture models and in vivo studies utilizing various animal models to establish a clear proof of concept and determine the initial safe dose range. The generation of successful preclinical data is a mandatory regulatory prerequisite for submitting an Investigational New Drug application to regulatory authorities for human trials.