In order to understand some of the similarities and differences between brand name and generic medications, it is helpful to first review the drug approval process. In general, the FDA is responsible for the approval of drugs for human use in the U.S. In the case of a new drug (also commonly referred to as an "innovator"), the process usually begins with "Discovery" during which a chemical or drug substance is synthesized or isolated in a lab. The drug will then typically proceed into a "Preclinical Research" phase where animal testing is applied in an effort to determine potential use(s) and viability of the drug. Somewhere during these phases, the drug manufacturer can apply for an "Investigational New Drug" (IND) application with the FDA.