PRECLINICAL RESEARCH Meaning and
Definition
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Preclinical research refers to the stage of scientific investigation that occurs before any experimental intervention is conducted on humans. It involves laboratory-based studies and animal testing to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of potential new medical treatments or interventions. The ultimate goal of preclinical research is to accumulate sufficient evidence to support the advancement of a promising experimental intervention to clinical trials in humans.
During preclinical research, scientists evaluate both the benefits and risks associated with a new treatment or intervention. They aim to determine its potential therapeutic value, optimal dosage, and potential side effects. This research stage includes a range of techniques such as in vitro experiments, animal studies, computational modeling, and even some early human studies involving tissues or cells.
Preclinical studies critically contribute to understanding the biological effects of a treatment or intervention, elucidating its mechanism of action, and establishing dose-response relationships. These studies also help identify potential safety issues, such as toxicity or adverse effects, that need to be addressed before moving to human trials. Therefore, preclinical research provides a crucial foundation for subsequent studies involving human subjects.
Overall, preclinical research plays a vital role in the development of new medical interventions. It allows researchers to gain insights into the potential benefits, risks, and mechanisms of action of experimental treatments, assisting in the decision-making process for advancing those interventions into clinical trials.
Etymology of PRECLINICAL RESEARCH
The etymology of the word "preclinical research" can be broken down as follows:
1. Pre-: It is a prefix that comes from the Latin word "prae" meaning "before", "in front of", or "prior to".
2. Clinical: It comes from the Latin word "clinicus" meaning "bedside" or "relating to sickbed". It was derived from the Greek word "klinē" which means "bed".
3. Research: It comes from the Middle French word "recercher" meaning "seek out" or "search closely". This word was formed by adding the prefix "re", meaning "again", to the French word "cerchier" meaning "to search".
Therefore, the etymology of "preclinical research" suggests that it refers to the stage of scientific research conducted before clinical trials or experiments on human subjects.
