Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

Phase 1 studies are crucial in the drug development process, primarily focusing on human pharmacology. This phase involves a small number of healthy volunteers and aims to understand the pharmacokinetics (how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted) and pharmacodynamics (the biological effects of the drug) in humans. Researchers gather fundamental information about how the drug interacts with various bodily systems, including dosage range, safety profile, and physiological effects.

In contrast, the other options emphasize different aspects. Long-term side effects are typically assessed during later phases of clinical trials, where the safety and efficacy of the drug are evaluated over more extended periods. Human behavior is not a direct focus of Phase 1 studies, as this phase is more concerned with biological interactions rather than psychological factors. Drug marketability is related to commercial viability, which becomes a focus later in the development process, particularly during Phase 3 and beyond when efficacy and safety profiles are well established.