What is the main focus of Phase I clinical trials?

The main focus of Phase I clinical trials is to conduct initial safety studies in healthy volunteers. This phase is crucial as it aims to evaluate the safety profile, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects associated with the drug, primarily focusing on how the drug is metabolized and eliminated from the body. During this stage, researchers observe how the drug interacts biologically within a controlled group of participants, which is typically comprised of healthy individuals, to minimize the variability seen in patients with underlying health conditions.

Phase I trials are foundational in the drug development process, providing essential data that informs later phases, where the drug's efficacy and interactions in broader and patient populations are assessed. In subsequent phases, the focus will distinctly shift towards evaluating effectiveness and long-term safety in more diverse populations.