THE ROLE OF TOXICOLOGY IN TESTING NEW DRUGS AND ENSURING SAFETY

Abstract

Toxicology is a cornerstone of modern drug development, providing the scientific basis for evaluating the potential harmful effects of new pharmaceutical substances before they reach clinical use. As new drug candidates are synthesized and optimized for therapeutic efficacy, toxicological studies ensure that these compounds do not pose unacceptable risks to human health. Toxicology contributes to the identification of target organ toxicity, determination of safe exposure limits, and prediction of adverse effects during both short-term and long-term use. Furthermore, toxicological evaluation supports regulatory decision-making and safeguards public health by minimizing drug-related morbidity and mortality. This article provides an in-depth discussion of the role of toxicology in preclinical and clinical drug testing, regulatory assessment, and post-marketing surveillance, highlighting its essential contribution to patient safety and rational drug development.