From Lab to Lives - The Odyssey of Drug Discovery and Approval (7 Minutes)

The journey of a new drug from the lab to patients' lives is a long and complex process, often referred to as the odyssey of drug discovery and approval. This process involves a series of stages, from the initial discovery of a new drug in the lab to its final approval by regulatory authorities, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug discovery and development process can take up to 15 years and cost over $2.5 billion, with a success rate of only about 12%. Despite these challenges, the pharmaceutical industry continues to invest in research and development to discover and approve new drugs that can improve patients' lives. The drug discovery and approval process involves a range of activities, including target identification, lead optimization, preclinical testing, clinical trials, and regulatory review. Each stage of the process is critical to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of the new drug. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to patients, the pharmaceutical industry is dedicated to advancing the odyssey of drug discovery and approval to bring new treatments and cures to those in need.