Antiviral drugs undergo rigorous evaluation through clinical trials to determine their efficacy and safety. The process includes:
Preclinical studies: Laboratory and animal studies to assess initial safety and efficacy. Phase I trials: Small-scale trials to evaluate safety and dosage. Phase II trials: Medium-scale trials to assess efficacy and side effects. Phase III trials: Large-scale trials to confirm efficacy and monitor adverse reactions. Regulatory approval: Approval by regulatory bodies like the FDA before widespread use.