Infection & ResponseKey Facts
The Challenge of New Drug Development
Part of Antibiotics and Drug Resistance — GCSE Biology
This key facts covers The Challenge of New Drug Development within Antibiotics and Drug Resistance for GCSE Biology. Antibiotic function, bacterial resistance evolution, responsible use, global health impact It is section 10 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 10 of 19
Practice
20 questions
Recall
24 flashcards
The Challenge of New Drug Development
Why It's Difficult:
- Time: 10-15 years from discovery to market
- Cost: Can cost over $1 billion to develop one new antibiotic
- Safety testing: Extensive clinical trials required
- Regulatory approval: Strict requirements from health authorities
- Limited profit: Antibiotics used for short periods unlike chronic disease drugs
- Rapid resistance: Bacteria can develop resistance quickly
Alternative Approaches:
- Bacteriophages: Viruses that specifically kill bacteria
- Immunotherapy: Boosting immune system to fight infections
- Antimicrobial peptides: Natural defense molecules
- Combination therapies: Using multiple drugs together
- Targeting virulence: Making bacteria less harmful without killing them