Developing an active ingredient is difficult.
Of the thousands of compounds that researchers investigate, only one passes all tests in the end.
A bit like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Drug companies spend millions of euros looking for a drug.
You have to set up laboratories and pay researchers.
And for a long time they don't know whether a drug will come out in the end that they can sell later.
In the 11/2020 issue, we explained the eleven steps a drug goes through in development - from the idea to the sale.
About the podcast
Hear, be amazed, understand: exciting articles from "Your SPIEGEL", the news magazine for children aged 8 and over.
Recorded and produced by Lenz Schuster.
Two new episodes a week.
You can hear all further episodes here.
