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Developing a new medicine is a long, expensive, and rigorous process. In this lesson you will learn about the drug development pipeline from discovery to approval, the importance of clinical trials, placebos, double-blind testing, and peer review. Understanding this process is essential for your Edexcel GCSE Biology exam.
Many drugs have their origins in natural sources, while others are designed in the laboratory:
| Source | Example |
|---|---|
| Plants | Aspirin — originally extracted from willow bark (contains salicin). Digitalis — from foxglove; used to treat heart conditions. |
| Microorganisms | Penicillin — produced by the Penicillium mould, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Many other antibiotics come from soil bacteria and fungi. |
| Animals | Some painkillers are derived from animal venoms. |
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