# Describe how new medicines are tested before they are made available to patients.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.6.3 Medicines and drugs · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. New medicines are tested in the laboratory / on cells or tissues (preclinical testing)
2. Tested on animals to check for safety / toxicity / side effects
3. Tested on healthy volunteers / small number of people in clinical trials to check safety
4. Tested on patients / larger number of people to check effectiveness / optimum dose

## Key terms

- [medicines](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/medicines)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-new-medicines-are-tested-44e8798d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.