Determining an accurate timeline or cost for developing a newmedicineis difficult.
Initial Research
31 months:Scientists first study the disease to find vulnerabilities on which to focus.
From there, they seek a chemical that attacks that weakness.
This is called a phase 1 clinical trial.
The capabilities of the drug get tested at different dosages.
The FDA needs up to a year to make an approval decision.
The FDA may require a phase 4 trial to examine additional risks.
The company must report on any adverse reactions seen by doctors.
Illustrations by Andrew Roberts
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