Drug candidates are substances that are being tested for their potential to become new medications. These candidates undergo a series of evaluations to determine their safety, effectiveness, and how they interact with the body. Researchers often start with compounds that show promise in laboratory studies before moving on to clinical trials involving human participants. The process of identifying drug candidates involves various stages, including screening for biological activity and preclinical testing in animal models. If a drug candidate demonstrates positive results, it may advance to Phase I clinical trials, where its safety is assessed in healthy volunteers. Successful candidates can eventually lead to new treatments for various diseases.