Developing New Drugs
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.1.19
Developing New Drugs
There are different types of drugs being developed today:
Antibiotics
- Scientists are always trialling new antibiotics for when new strains of resistant bacteria appear.
Antiviral drugs
- Viruses are found inside cells. This means it's hard to destroy them without damaging the body’s cells and tissues.
- Antiviral drugs are used to treat viral infections.
Painkillers
- Painkillers are used to relieve the pain caused by an infection.
- They do not cure diseases or kill pathogens, but they do relieve the symptoms.
- Aspirin is an example of a painkiller.
Test yourself on Developing New Drugs
Why is it difficult to destroy viruses without harming the body's own cells?