Preclinical evaluation is an important step in the development of new drugs and therapies. It is a process that is strictly regulated by various regulatory bodies that set standards and guidelines that researchers and pharmaceutical companies must follow. In this article, we will discuss some key regulations and guidelines for preclinical evaluation.
Good laboratory practices (GLP)
Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) are a set of guidelines designed to ensure the quality, reliability and integrity of scientific data generated during a preclinical study. GLPs cover aspects such as management, personnel, procedures, equipment calibration and maintenance, data collection and storage, quality control, and more.
Non-clinical studies to assess pharmacological safety
A number of regulatory bodies, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), require a number of nonclinical studies to assess the pharmacological safety of new drugs. These studies include toxicity tests (including acute, subchronic and chronic toxicity), genotoxicity, and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Guidelines for animal studies
Animal testing is often essential for preclinical evaluation, but is also strictly regulated by law and ethical guidelines. For example, European Commission Order 63/2010 requires that all animal research be conducted in accordance with the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs) - replacing animals wherever possible, reducing the number of animals used, and refining procedures to minimize pain and suffering.
Applications for permission to conduct clinical trials
After completing preclinical evaluations, pharmaceutical companies must apply for authorization to conduct clinical trials. This application must include detailed information about the preclinical evaluation, including in vitro and in vivo results, safety and efficacy data, methodology information and more.
Summary
Preclinical evaluation is a process that is strictly regulated by various regulatory bodies. Good laboratory practices, non-clinical studies to assess pharmacological safety, guidelines for animal studies, and procedures for requesting authorization to conduct clinical trials are just some of the many regulations and guidelines that pharmaceutical companies and researchers must follow during preclinical evaluation. These regulations are designed to ensure that new drugs and therapies are safe and effective before they reach patients.
