Unit5_How drugs are studied

It takes years and sometimes decades, for a drug to move from the theoretical stage to the pharmacy shelf.

What does "theoretical" mean?

• to improve

• a small part

• the period between two times or events

• abstract; based on theory

It takes years and sometimes decades, for a drug to move from the theoretical stage to the pharmacy shelf. Of the thousands of drugs under investigation at any one time, only a small fraction will produce the desired result without unacceptable side effects.

What does "investigation" mean?

• material

• long-lasting

• a small part

• a study

It takes years and sometimes decades, for a drug to move from the theoretical stage to the pharmacy shelf. Of the thousands of drugs under investigation at any one time, only a small fraction will produce the desired result without unacceptable side effects.

What does "fraction" mean?

• result

• the period between two times or events

• a study

• a small part

First, scientists target a step in the disease process where they believe a drug can have an effect.

What does "target" mean?

• to focus on

• to fight against

• to determine; find out

• to watch; observe

Then they manufacture compounds or take them from organisms such as viruses and fungi and test them in laboratory cultures. Once scientists isolate a chemical that produces a desirable effect, they analyze its structure and alter it as necessary to enhance the outcome.

What does "manufacture" mean?

• to believe; judge

• to take in

• to lessen, ease

• to produce

Then they manufacture compounds or take them from organisms such as viruses and fungi and test them in laboratory cultures.

What does "culture" mean?

• the growing of organic materials in a laboratory setting

• the period between two times or events

• material

• abstract; based on theory

Once scientists isolate a chemical that produces a desirable effect, they analyze its structure and alter it as necessary to enhance the outcome.

What does "desirable" mean?

• to believe; judge

• to happen or occur again

• long-lasting

• wanted; worth having

Once scientists isolate a chemical that produces a desirable effect, they analyze its structure and alter it as necessary to enhance the outcome.

What does "enhance" mean?

• to focus on

• to take in

• to produce

• to improve

Scientists look at how much drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, how it distributes to different organs, how quickly it is excreted or leaves the body, and whether it has any toxic effects or by-products.

What does "obsorb" mean?

• to fight against

• to determine; find out

• to watch; observe

• to take in

Scientists look at how much drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, how it distributes to different organs, how quickly it is excreted or leaves the body, and whether it has any toxic effects or by-products.

What does "toxic" mean?

• long-lasting

• poisonous

• material

• wanted; worth having