What is the role of animal models in drug evaluation?

• A. They provide essential screening and evaluation before human clinical trials
• B. They replace human trials
• C. They only test drug taste
• D. They determine marketing strategy

Answer: (A)

Animal models in drug evaluation provide essential screening and evaluation before human clinical trials. They let researchers see how a new compound behaves in a living organism, including how the body processes the drug (pharmacokinetics), what the drug does to the body (pharmacodynamics), and whether there is any potential therapeutic effect in disease-relevant models. Importantly, they help identify safety concerns and toxicities, estimate safe starting doses for first-in-human studies, and refine dosing and study design, with data often supporting regulatory submissions. They do not replace human trials, as human responses can differ and require confirmation of safety and efficacy. They also do not assess taste or determine marketing strategy.