Definitions for "Preclinical studies"
Experiments performed in the laboratory and in animals to study a drug before it is tested in humans.
Studies that test a drug on animals and other nonhuman test systems. They must comply with FDA's good laboratory practices. Data about a drug's activities and effects in animals help establish boundaries for safe use of the drug in subsequent human testing (clinical studies). Also, because animals have a much shorter lifespan than humans, valuable information can be gained about a drug's possible toxic effects over an animal's life cycle and on offspring.
Tests of new medical products or drugs in laboratory experiments and animal studies. These occur before experiments on humans begin.