Part 2/11:
The session kicked off with a discussion on the extensive timeline it takes for a molecule to become a market-ready medicine—approximately 15 to 20 years. The drug development lifecycle starts with research and development (R&D), where scientists identify promising molecules, followed by rigorous clinical trials (Phases 1, 2, and 3), regulatory submissions, and pre-launch activities like market access and unmet patient needs assessment. Post-launch, continuous research and monitoring ensure optimal use until patent expiry, after which generics and new competitors enter the space.