Constraints of drug regulation on the development of new drugs.

A review is given of the various regulations for the preclinical and clinical evaluation of new drugs, their effects on the clearance of new medicines for general use by practising physicians, and their repercussion on industrial drug research. Undoubtedly, extensive and continuously increasing regulatory procedures, which in addition have to be satisfied repeatedly in individual countries, claim an unproportionally high percentage of the industrial capacity for research and development of new drugs, leaving too little for basic research, which is a prerequisite for the discovery of new medicines that are more than just "me too" products. Despite the fact that regulatory language differs from scientific attitude and arguments, the wall of regulations should be neither too thick nor too high to impede research and to hinder the prompt application of important new drugs. Even the most sophisticated and extensive drug regulations cannot prevent the use of drugs which is not indicated, because it is impossible to regulate ignorance. To regulate drugs is necessary, but the governments and their drug agencies should also encourage drug research and should support industry in the development of new drugs. On the other hand, the drug companies must adhere to the accepted standards and create an atmosphere of confidence by presenting reliable and complete data.