September 2002
Research and Teaching

From Powder to Prescription

The University recently hosted the inaugural event in a lecture tour for science students by international drug development service company Covance.

Introduced by the School of Pharmacy's Dr David Wright, 'From Powder to Prescription' shows the complex, costly and lengthy drug development process, from untested powder through to government approved prescription.

Left: Nurse Jason Lindop and potential trial volunteers.

The process can take more than 15 years and cost up to £750m, with only 0.1 per cent of compounds achieving regulatory approval. Senior Scientists from Covance's Leeds-based Clinical Research Unit, Karen Fordyce and Chris Mawson, described the challenges facing drug companies, the role of contract research organisations in the effective testing of new compounds and therapies, and the variety of study designs needed.

They showed the scientific disciplines involved in medical discovery, as well as the commercial imperatives, patent restrictions and legislative parameters that drive and define research worldwide. Covance's own recent track-record in the fight against cancer, diabetes, HIV, MS, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, migraine and acne at its unit was also outlined, including a case study on Viagra, where it was involved in the early volunteer trials.

They also talked on the practical realities of drug development, emphasising the vital role of healthy volunteers in this complex process. Covance's Screening Manager Jayne Gill concluded the presentation by describing the constant need to attract, assess and assign volunteers to studies.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer at Covance, telephone 0800 591 570.

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