New Drug Development & Clinical Trials

  • Admin
  • 29 February 2024

Introduction

Scientific discovery to life changing medicine involves complex steps, rigorous tests, and strong commitment. Clinical trials are conducted to assess the safety, efficacy and efficiency of any new therapeutic method such as drug molecules, vaccines, health care equipment or therapy protocols. These trials involve human volunteers and play a crucial role in taking medical knowledge to advanced level for improving patient care. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of new medicines development, new rules for clinical trials in India, pharma clinical trials in India, and the important role Chemxpert database in providing clinical trials insights.

The Journey of Potential Molecule

The development of drugs is a complex and meticulous process, which leads to the production of new medicines. The new drug development process is about looking for molecules that are effective against diseases, whether small compounds or biologics.

Once clinical trials are completed to evaluate safety and effectiveness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays an important role in the evaluation of a molecule's approval. Clinical trials have a critical role to play in shaping medical practice, raising awareness and ultimately improving patient care. Here we provide a road map for potential molecules to become new drugs:

Drug Discovery and Development Stages:

  • Pre-Discovery Stage: Understanding disease mechanisms and identifying possible targets is the primary research effort.
  • Drug Discovery Stage: Scientists are looking for small molecules or biologics that can interfere with or cure diseases.
  • Preclinical Development Stage: Focuses on understanding the mode of action of the drug candidates, toxicity assessment, validation of efficacy in vitro and in vivo models, and evaluation of formulations.
  • Clinical Stage: Investigates drug candidates in humans.
  • Reviewing, Approval, and Post-Market Monitoring Stage: It shall determine whether the medicinal product is authorized to be used on the market.

Phases of Clinical Trials:

  1. Phase I: Small-scale trials involving healthy volunteers to assess safety, dosage, and side effects. 
  2. Phase II: In order to assess efficacy and optimal dosing, the studies with patients have been extended. 
  3. Phase III: A large scale trial comparing the new intervention with existing treatments.
  4. Phase IV: Post-marketing surveillance to monitor long term safety and real world effectiveness.

Benefits of Clinical Trials:

  • Advancing Medical Knowledge: By testing new treatments and diagnostic methods, clinical trials are contributing to the development of medicine.
  • Improved Patient Care: Participants will have access to cutting edge treatments and attention from research teams for healthcare.
  • Tailored Therapies: Studies look at treatments specifically for patients and ensure a personalized approach to treatment.
  • Reducing Disease Burden: How to prevent diseases or mitigate their effects are identified in clinical research.

India’s Role in Clinical Research

As a result of this, India is considered to be one of the most desirable destinations for pharmacodynamics studies: 

  • Large Patient Pool: A diverse range of people for recruitment. 
  • Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs.
  • Skilled Workforce: Trained investigators and research staff.
  • Regulatory Framework: Streamlined approval processes.

Recent Trends:

  • Phase I success rates reach up to 48%, it is highest since 2019.
  • Phase III trials success rates reached approx. 66%, much higher than the pre-pandemic average. (Courtesy: IQVIA)
  • Predictive biomarkers, novel trial designs, and digital methodologies enhance productivity.

New Rules for Clinical Trials in India

1. New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (2019):

  • Simplification of the approval process and transparency have been introduced. 
  • Emphasized the patient's safety as well as their informed consent. 
  • Encouraged academic institutions to participate in trials.

2 New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023):

  • Non animal and human relevant methods for safety and efficacy testing are now available to researchers. 
  • Focuses on ethical and effective methods of research.

Chemxpert Database Insights on Clinical Trials 

By offering comprehensive information on drugs, helping to comply with legislation and revolutionizing data driven decision making, the Chemxpert Database is empowering clinical studies. Chemxpert, a pharma database service provider company, has a wealth of information that can enhance your understanding of clinical trials and drug development, whether you are a researcher, a physician or an industry professional. The Clival database, a very important module of Chemxpert, provides data on various search criteria covering the product, indication, therapeutic area, mechanism of action, development stage and sponsor. Paracetamol, aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors, acetylcysteines and many other substances are few of the searches included in this database.

Conclusion

Combined work between scientists, doctors, and patients is an important part for development of new medicines. Clinical trials are a symbol of hope, connecting science and patient care in the process to reveal the secrets of Human biology. The basis of medical progress is clinical trials, which bridge the gap between scientific discovery and patient well-being. India continues to be a major player in global clinical trials, as its regulatory environment grows.