How many chemical compounds are usually screened to develop one approved medicine?

To develop a single new drug approved for human use, approximately 5,000 to 10,000 chemical compounds must undergo laboratory screening.1

The journey from initial discovery to market is a rigorous, multi-stage process that typically spans 10 to 15 years. Of the thousands of compounds screened, only about 250 generally advance to preclinical testing, and merely 5 proceed to clinical testing in humans.1

This extensive development process is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of new treatments, as the administration of any pharmaceutical is a significant medical intervention. Throughout these stages, researchers must adhere to stringent ethical standards, including obtaining informed consent and utilizing controlled clinical trials to validate results and minimize bias.12