Every medicine you have ever taken was once an unknown compound that had never been tested in humans. Before that first human dose, researchers had to answer critical questions: Will it work? Will it be safe? What dose should we try? Preclinical research exists to answer these questions using laboratory and animal studies before any person is exposed to risk.
This phase protects human participants by identifying dangerous compounds before they enter clinical trials. It also saves resources by eliminating ineffective candidates early. Without rigorous preclinical testing, clinical trials would be far more dangerous and far less efficient.
