Table 1 Desired properties for drug candidate taken for evaluation in formal animal toxicity studies.

Chemical properties

Stable molecule

Nonproblematic synthesis with potential for scale-up

Pharmacological properties

Selective high-affinity binding to target binding site

Selective and potent functional effect on target receptor molecule in vitro

Effectiveness in animal model of targeted human indication

Pharmacokinetics

Adequate bioavailability for selected route of administration

Adequate half-life and biodistribution for intended use

Safety and toxicity

Satisfactory profile for inhibition and induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes

Absence of obvious cardiac toxicity (hERG binding)

Absence of obvious toxicity in animal studies