Status of safety pharmacology in the pharmaceutical industry, 1993

General pharmacology and safety pharmacology studies are of considerable value in drug discovery and safety assessment. The knowledge gained from these studies adds mechanistic perspectives and functional dimensions to contemporary animal pharmacology and toxicology studies. If conducted prior to initiation of drug development activities, general pharmacology and safety pharmacology studies can assist in the selection of drug classes and specific candidates for drug development, and contribute to selection of rational high doses for chronic toxicity studies. If conducted prior to initiation of clinical safety studies, these studies can influence the design of clinical protocols so that appropriate strategies are put in place to ensure appropriate patient management and care. Finally, general pharmacology and safety pharmacology studies can provide an important communication pathway between the non‐clinical and clinical segments of a drug development program.