# Describe the stages involved in the clinical trial of a new medicine, from first use in humans to approval for widespread use.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.6.3 Medicines and drugs · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The medicine is first tested on a small number of healthy volunteers to check for safety / side effects
2. The medicine is then tested on a larger group of patients who have the disease to check that it works / is effective
3. A placebo is used as a control / some patients receive a placebo and others receive the medicine
4. A double-blind trial is used so that neither the patient nor the doctor knows who received the medicine / placebo, to reduce bias

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](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-the-stages-involved-in-the-baa90b76) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.