Did you know...?
The patent for a molecule is submitted at an early stage of development and remains valid for 20 years. After this, other companies are allowed to sell the same drug with a different name as a so-called generic product. This way, they save money for research and development and are thus able to offer the same product for lower prices than the company which originally developed the drug.
Pharmacology
Form and effect
Pharmacology is divided into pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Phamacodynamics analyses how, where and when a pharmacological effect is achieved, that is, the mechanism of action and the dose-effect relationship of the potential active substance. Pharmacokinetics, on the other hand, deals with the body’s effect the active substance. In this phase, the absorption of the substance, its distribution in the body, its metabolisation, and its excretion are analysed.
Before a potential active substance can enter the clinical phase, the suitable drug form is developed in galenics. In this phase, the researchers also find suitable excipients and packaging material, they analyse the substance’s stability and develop the manufacturing process.
With the help of the tests and analyses, the number of potential active substances has been reduced from 10,000 to 10, which then enter the clinical phase.
last update: 11 Jan 2012
