The Phase I hurdle

The Phase I hurdle

Given that efficacy is the basis for drug approval, it is understandable that Phase II and Phase III clinical development get a great deal of attention. Nevertheless, companies sometimes get a reminder that Phase I safety and pharmacokinetic trials are still a hurdle that must be overcome. Neurogen Corp. and its pharma partners have knocked over their share of low hurdles, with three of its first four small molecule clinical programs hitting a snag in Phase I studies...