How do we develop new medicines? Including for COVID

Theme

Health Science & Medicine

What is this talk/activity about?

We wouldn’t have any new medicines or vaccines if people were not prepared to take part in clinical trials.

New medicines are tested by doing clinical trials. It is important to tests new medicines (including vaccines) in all types of people who might need them, including babies and children. This talk explains what clinical research is using examples of how new medicines for sepsis and/or new vaccines have been tested. The talk also discusses some of the ethical and social issues around clinical trials and the importance of public understanding and participation.

Talk can be tailored to various age groups and include, for example:

• Discussing role of pharmaceutical companies in research (good, bad, evil or all of the above?)
• Careers in Medicine and the NHS including types of jobs, types of doctor etc.
• Types of research in the NHS

Age/Year Group

Key Stages 3-5 (Years 7-13, ages 11-18 years, up to and including GCSE and A Level study or equivalent)

UK National Curriculum Subject Links

Biology

Chemistry

Speaker