Clinical Pharmacology Studies

The concept of “Phases” in clinical drug development originates from the FDA, after WW2. Most clinical pharamcology studies are Phase 1 studies, when we learn about the PK of the drug. In Phase 2, we learn about the PD of the drug.

Phase 1 First in Human

  • First in human (FIH) PK/PD
    • Single ascending dose (SAD)
    • Multiple ascending dose (MAD)
  • Food effect (for oral drugs)
  • Pharmacogenomics (CYP genotyping)

Phase 2

  • Mass Balance/ADME
  • Drug-drug interaction (DDI) in vivo
  • QT study
  • Dose identification
  • Healthy vs Patient PK & PD
  • Relevant special populations
    • RI
    • HI
    • Pediatrics
    • Elderly
    • Pregnant
    • Lactating
    • Obese
    • other

Phase 3

  • Bioequivalence (BE), eg between formulations or drug combinations
  • Exposure-efficacy/safety in target population

References