The timing of toxicological studies in relation to the clinical evaluation of new medicines is a key topic for strategic planners in the industry and those involved with harmonization. Resolving the anomalies between different regulatory authorities should eliminate redundant testing on animals and improve the efficiency of the developmental process by encouraging single international strategies. To aid industry in reaching a consensus, the Centre for Medicines Research has brought together representatives of the pharmaceutical industry from Europe, Japan and the USA to give a comprehensive account of current international industry positions on the subject. The contributions in this text review the situation and address the clinical and strategic requirements of the pre-clinical programme. Personal and consensus proposals on the toxicity studies required to initiate clinical investigations, the timing of reproductive toxicity tests and the duration of repeat-dose studies to support clinical development are provided.
