Why Are Species Differences Important in Drug Development?
During drug development, understanding species differences is crucial for determining safety and efficacy. Preclinical studies in animals are used to identify potential toxic effects before human trials. If a drug shows adverse effects in animal models but not in humans, it suggests species-specific toxicity. Conversely, if a drug is safe in animals but toxic in humans, it indicates limitations in the predictive value of the animal model used. Understanding species differences helps in selecting appropriate models and interpreting results accurately.
