The process of finding and developing novel drugs is called drug discovery. Identifying potential drug targets, screening compounds for their influence on the target, optimizing the compound to increase its efficacy and safety, and testing the combination in preclinical and clinical studies to ascertain its safety and effectiveness in humans are all components.
The global drug discovery market was valued at USD 25.2 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow from USD 30.10 billion in 2025 to USD 68 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.10% during the forecast period. Drug discovery involves systematically identifying and developing new therapeutic molecules. Key stages include target identification, lead compound discovery, preclinical testing, and clinical trials, all aimed at creating safe and effective drugs for various diseases.