Clinical Drug Trials: The Path to the Patient.

The aim of this chapter is to describe and give an overview of the steps from the conception of an idea in the lab to reaching the market. Starting from the early discovery in the lab environment (including reverse and classical pharmacology), and briefly going over the different phases of clinical trials: Phase I, first tests in humans; Phase II, safety and efficacy; Phase III, efficacy confirmation; and Phase IV, post-authorization, in which the investigation would focus on long-term effects, completion of technical and safety sheet. Finally, a short conclusion in regard to the continuous overview and revision of drugs in the market.