Identifying Emerging Trends and Opportunities in Preclinical Research

My background is in a small molecule early drug discovery.  In drug development, think of it as a funnel.  At the top of the funnel is the early drug discovery process where many small molecules (or large biomolecules) are screened and moved on to the next phase.  These drugs are screened on pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties.  The best candidates move on to preclinical development, where they are scrutinized in functional and biochemical assays.  The most effective candidates move on to in vivo testing in small and large animals to determine efficacy and safety of the therapy.  It is during this phase that one can think of process development of the candidate as larger quantities of the drug will be needed as you move on to testing in larger animals and eventually in human use.