How is Toxicity Evaluated During Vaccine Development?
Toxicity evaluation in vaccine development involves several steps:
1. Preclinical Studies: These are conducted in laboratories and animals to assess the initial safety and biological activity of the vaccine. Toxicologists focus on identifying any potential toxic effects and determining safe dosage levels.
2. Clinical Trials: These are conducted in phases. Phase I trials involve a small group of healthy volunteers to assess safety and dosage. Phase II and III trials expand the participant pool to evaluate effectiveness and monitor for adverse effects.
3. Post-Market Surveillance: After a vaccine is approved, ongoing monitoring is essential to track any rare or long-term adverse effects in the general population.
