Considerations regarding the development of individual nonclinical test strategies in the European Community

The wish of pharmaceutical companies to be given the most binding possible preclinical test programmes for a new product, and the tendency of authorities to regulate to a great extent the preclinical testing of new drugs (especially at a multinational level), has led to differing requirements and practices in preclinical testing in different areas of the world. These differing requirements and practices have of necessity brought in their wake varying scientific criteria, with particular regard to animal protection, ethical standards, as well as imposing apparently unjustified extra financial costs. In order to improve this situation, the development of drug-specific preclinical test strategies is proposed in a drafted E. C. Note for Guidance, which incorporates already existing drug-testing guidelines and method recommendations. This draft Note for Guidance points to general methods of analysing problems and reaching decisions and thus appears to be worthy of recommendation as practical and desirable. It requires the co-operation of drug producers and supervisory authorities at a high scientific and ethical level. With regard to the state-of-the art and the socio-political background, the fulfillment of these requirements would appear not only to be appropriate but also imperative. To put them into practice would contribute enormously to the improvement of drug development and to de-emotionalization of the public debate. Therefore, comments on these draft guidelines from societies and associations are urgently sought and awaited with keen interest.