Current concepts in abuse liability testing for pharmaceuticals July 2002: new lessons for a new century.

New pharmaceuticals, new pharmaceutical delivery systems and old pharmaceuticals used in new ways may have to be tested for abuse liability. Needless testing wastes valuable resources and talent, and adds delay and expense to the development of new medications. Failing to conduct appropriate abuse liability testing can cost lives and create needless suffering. Selecting which tests are to be conducted is an expert decision to be individualized in each case, and should be directed by the pharmacology of the drug, the therapeutic indication being sought, the characteristics of the delivery system or dosage form, the population intended for treatment and specific knowledge of historic, current and emerging patterns and trends in drug abuse.