When a new drug is discovered it must go under tests that can take up to 12 years and can cost millions.
The drug is first tested on cells, tissues and organs to see if they are too toxic (many drug fail at this stage).
They are then tested on animals for the optimum amount of dosage to be given and also the possible side effects.
Then they are tested on healthy human beings with very low doses to see the effect on humans.
They are then given to patients and to see if the drug is effective and the dosage is built up to see its optimum amount.
Placeboes may be used which is where a fake replica of the drug is given to make sure that all side effects are real.
A double-blind trial is where not only do the patients not know if they are being given a placebo but neither does the doctor.
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