Phase II primary objective?

• A. To explore therapeutic efficacy in patients and determine doses/regimens for Phase III
• B. To confirm marketing approval
• C. To study pharmacodynamics in animals
• D. To assess long-term safety in elderly

Answer: (C)

Phase II trials are about showing that the drug works in patients and figuring out the right dose to take forward. The main objective is to assess therapeutic efficacy in people who have the disease and to explore dose-ranging so you can select a dose and regimen for Phase III. This stage builds on Phase I safety data but moves into patient outcomes, not animal studies or regulatory approvals.

Pharmacodynamics in animals is nonclinical work done before human trials, so it isn’t a Phase II objective. Confirming marketing approval happens after successful trials and regulatory review, not during Phase II. Long-term safety data can be collected later in larger trials or post-marketing, but the primary Phase II aim is efficacy in patients and dose determination for future, larger studies.