Drug Development from Discovery Through Approval

  • HealthXcelerate
Five icons on a blue background.

Group Enrollment Option A program that is a popular choice for organizations and institutions to purchase in bulk.

Examine the drug discovery and development process by gaining a high-level understanding of the scientific and regulatory frameworks that shape the pharmaceutical landscape, from initial discovery through clinical trials and regulatory approval, and explore the complexities and key decision points that define the drug development lifecycle in the U.S.

  • Online; Self-Paced

Enroll and gain access to course materials to complete at your own pace.

$495

Explore options to bundle courses and save.

Certificate

Earn a short course certificate of completion when you finish all coursework within 8 weeks.

3-4 Hours

Most people can expect to complete short courses in 3-4 hours.

On This Page

Overview

In Drug Development from Discovery Through Approval, led by Jennifer Leeds, BSc, PhD, you will gain an overview of the drug discovery and development process. 

Uncover insights into the complexities and decision points that define the U.S. drug development lifecycle. Trace the drug discovery and development process from initial discovery to regulatory approval. Along the way, examine key decision points, stakeholder roles, and emerging technologies that influence the success of drug candidates and the delivery of innovative therapies to patients. 


This course provides an introduction to the drug discovery and development process in 3-4 hours in an on-demand format. For an advanced, deeper dive into the topic, explore the HMX Pro course Drug Discovery and Development: Overview of the End-to-End Therapeutic Pipeline.


Learning Objectives

  • Discern how unmet needs are identified and translated into new drug development.
  • Articulate the key considerations and processes involved in initiating a new drug discovery program.
  • Explain clinical study design techniques and describe the key phases of drug development.
  • Describe the regulatory landscape and approval processes for novel therapeutics in the U.S. compared to global counterparts.
  • Explore emerging therapies, evaluating their risks, opportunities, and potential impact on patients and the health care industry.

Who Should Participate

Health care professionals throughout the industry seeking better understanding of the health care system

About the Course

HealthXcelerate courses offer a foundational, 360‑degree view of the health care ecosystem, drawing on the expertise of Harvard Medical School faculty and industry leaders. With a focus on the patient experience, the curriculum explores how the U.S. system compares with those of other countries, how clinical care connects to the broader health care industry, and how patients navigate and influence the system. Learners who complete HealthXcelerate courses build fluency and credibility in communicating key issues, critically assessing barriers to quality and access, and identifying opportunities for leadership and innovation.

Who Should Enroll

This program will benefit industry and clinical leaders across the health care ecosystem; research and innovation managers with increasing global responsibility; entrepreneurs and consultants; business and technology professionals who work closely with health care organizations; and those transitioning into the health care space. 

This course provides an introduction to the drug discovery and development process in 3-4 hours in an on-demand format. For an advanced, deeper dive into the topic, explore the HMX Pro course Drug Discovery and Development: Overview of the End-to-End Therapeutic Pipeline.

Bundle Pricing

Are you ready to elevate your educational journey and maximize the investment in your future?

You can bundle up to five courses. Bundle discounts apply to all courses selected. A bundle can consist of courses in the same upcoming enrollment period or the following enrollment period.

Two-course bundle: 25% discount
Three-course bundle: 30% discount
Four-course bundle: 35% discount
Five-course bundle: 40% discount

View all bundle-eligible programs.

Faculty Leads

Each course within the HealthXcelerate program features Harvard Medical School faculty and leading experts in the field.

HealthXcelerate is an excellent opportunity to learn more about all aspects of the U.S. health care system. The flexible course framework makes it easier to integrate into my busy work days than other programs.

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