What is difference between Proof of concept (PoC) Proof of Principle Studies (PoP) in Drug Discovery?

• PoP stands for Proof of Principle studies.
• PoC stands for Proof of Concept.

Proof of concept (PoC)  and Proof of Principle Studies (PoP), both the terminology is used in drug discovery and development projects. Both are having the similar meaning, without much of difference.

Proof of Principle studies are an early stage of clinical drug development when a compound has shown potential in animal models and early safety testing.

This step of proof-of-principle (PoP) or proof-of-concept (PoC) often links between Phase-I and dose ranging Phase-II studies.

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Proof of concept (PoC) is a realization of a certain method or idea in order to demonstrate its feasibility, or a demonstration in principle with the aim of verifying that some concept or theory has practical potential.A proof of concept is usually small and may or may not be complete.