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New Drug Development Process

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

There are multiple processes in new drug development, and efficacy must be evaluated. Clinical trials are typically organized into three phases (Phase I–III) and are conducted at investigational sites (e.g., hospitals and other medical institutions) under strict criteria and with the informed consent of participants.

In general, the path from discovery of a candidate compound to approval requires more than 10 years. Within this extended process, clinical trials are a key step that supports the regulatory approval application.

The process and duration of new drug development

New drug development proceeds over an extended timeline. First, basic research identifies candidate compounds. In this stage, chemical and biological approaches are used to pinpoint molecules with potential efficacy.

The next step is non-clinical testing. Here, the efficacy of the drug is evaluated using animal models and cultured cells. SubsequentData obtained in each phase of the clinical trial is used to file for regulatory approval

Although the pathway is lengthy, each stage must be completed to deliver an effective drug.

The importance of nonclinical studies

Non-clinical testing is a very important step in new drug development. Taking sufficient time in this stage is an important strategy to reduce subsequent development risks. By proceeding cautiously through this phase, as animals and cultured cells are used to evaluate the drug's efficacy,Reduces the risk of unforeseen events and failures in clinical trials involving human subjects

By carefully conducting non-clinical studies,More accurate prediction of the effects and side effects of new drug candidates on humans, enabling the development of more effective drugsThis is the first step in the development process. This time spent on non-clinical trials avoids the loss of expensive R&D costs in later clinical trial stages and improves the overall efficiency of development, making it easier to guarantee the efficacy and effectiveness of the drug that is ultimately brought to market.

Summary

New drug development is a complex, resource-intensive process. Each step—from basic research to nonclinical studies to clinical trials—plays a distinct role.

In particular, investing time in nonclinical studies can reduce risk and support more efficient development. To substantiate the efficacy and effectiveness of a new drug, these testing processes must be executed rigorously.

3 Recommended Contract Research Organizations for Non-Clinical Studies
— by Target goal and Expertise

In drug discovery, the quality and efficiency of non-clinical studies have a direct impact on clinical success rates, development costs, and overall length of time required in R&D. In recent years, there has been more demand for clinically relevant data, globally accepted reliability, and accurate early-stage screening. Thus, it is more important than ever to select the right CRO (Contract Research Organization) for strategic approach.
In this article, we highlight three CROs with proven technical capabilities, expertise, and long standing track records. These are our TOP 3 choices based on their capabilities and the specific target goals of the researchers for their non-clinical studies.

Pharmacology (Efficacy) Studies
Replicate unknown pathological models and
Discovery to clinically oriented drug evaluation
SMC Laboratories, Inc.
SMC Laboratories, Inc.
Reference: SMC Laboratories, Inc. official website (https://www.smccro-lab.com/jp/)
  • SMC Laboratories, Inc. has established a disease models using patented mouse technologies. The company has established proprietary pathological models—particularly in liver disease and fibrosis—and continues to expand their approach across a wide range of models in cancer, inflammation, and metabolic diseases.
  • From exploratory research to clinically oriented efficacy evaluation, SMC offers customized study designs, dosing strategies, and evaluation analysis tailored to each project. Their collaborative approachallows researchers to discuss and refine study plans together with SMC’s expert scientists.

  • With flexible small-scale study options and strong technical support, SMC Laboratories, Inc. is an ideal partner for start-ups, biotech ventures, and academic institutions alike.
Safety Studies
Comprehensive Safety Evaluation for FIH Applications
Labcorp Holdings Inc.
(Labcorp Drug Development)
Labcorp Holdings Inc.
Reference: Labcorp Holdings Inc. official website (https://jp.labcorp.com/)
  • Labcorp Holdings Inc. provides a fully integrated GLP testing system aligned with international regulatory standards, including FDA, EMA, and PMDA requirements. All studies are conducted under ICH-compliant quality assurance, making it ready for data submission.
  • The company has extensive expertise in long-term toxicity studies such as Segment I–III reproductive and carcinogenicity studies, as well as 2-year chronic toxicity assessments.
  • Labcorp Holdings Inc.’s comprehensive approach enables sponsors to efficiently outsource the entire preclinical package from toxicology, toxicokinetic (TK), and safety pharmacology study design to execution. This accelerates a path to First-in-Human (FIH) trials. For most of the global drug developers, this all-in-one service structure minimizes cost, risk, and expedite the time before advancing to clinical phase.
Pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) Studies
High-Precision Bioanalysis for Clinically Predictive PK/PD Evaluation
PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.
PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.
Source: PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. Official Website (https://phoenixbio.co.jp/)
  • PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.offers pharmacokinetic and hepatic metabolism studies using their proprietary PXB-mouse®, a humanized-liver chimeric mouse model. This platform enables the acquisition of data with high clinical correlation in ADME, drug–to-drug interaction studies, bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical stages.
  • With advanced LC-MS/MS-based bioanalysis, PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. provides aseamless workflow from plasma concentration measurement and metabolite identification to quantitative validation.

  • The company offersan integrated evaluation analysiscovering pharmacokinetics, hepatotoxicity, and safety with flexibility to accommodate complex modalities such as oligonucleotide and middle-molecule therapeutics. For compounds where hepatic metabolism is a development bottleneck—or where quantitative, reproducible exposure data are critical—PhoenixBio Co., Ltd. delivers unmatched analytical precision and consistency.

By region
list of animal models
Expertise & Track Record
3 Recommended Contract Non-Clinical Testing Services