At the end of this course, the student will be able to master the main steps of the drug development process: from conception to marketing and follow-up. The emphasis will be on the main scientific notions that characterize the different preclinical and clinical stages. Particular attention will be paid to the roles and contributions of biologists throughout the development process, especially in preclinical studies.
The aim of this course is to familiarise biology students with the drug development process.
CS1: The drug and its development stages. -General overview of the stages of drug development. (2h) CS2 : Drug discovery methods -Medicines of synthetic or natural origin. (2h) Drugs of biosynthetic origin (2h) CS3 : Non-clinical pharmacological studies -In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo pharmacological studies. Case study (3h). CS4 : Non-clinical toxicological studies. Non-clinical toxicological studies. (2h). CS5 : Clinical studies and personalised medicine -Overview of clinical studies (phase 1-3) (2h). -Personalised medicine and biomarkers. (2h). -Example of personalised medicine in the clinic (2h) General Conference -Example of the development of a recent drug: from its conception to its marketing and monitoring. (2h) General discussion.
The assessment method is based on an individual discussion with the module coordinator on the basis of two scientific articles. These scientific articles describing an example of a recent drug development will be provided in the last session. The student will be able to understand the different concepts described in these articles in relation to the basic scientific concepts of the stages of drug development that have been taught.