What is the main focus of Phase II clinical testing?

Phase II clinical testing primarily focuses on assessing the efficacy and optimal dosage of a drug. During this phase, researchers evaluate how well the drug works for the intended purpose in participants who have the disease or condition the drug aims to treat. This is a critical stage because it helps determine the appropriate dosage that achieves the desired therapeutic effects without causing unacceptable side effects. While safety is initially reviewed in Phase I, Phase II places a greater emphasis on testing the effectiveness of the drug in a controlled setting. Market acceptance and production capabilities are considered after the clinical testing phases and are not the focus during Phase II trials.