Preclinical models are used in biomedical research to study diseases, test potential therapeutics, and investigate physiological processes before moving on to clinical trials in humans. These models can include cell cultures, animal models, and computer simulations. They are designed to mimic human disease conditions and provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of various health conditions. Preclinical models play a crucial role in drug development and are essential for determining the safety and efficacy of new treatments before they are tested in human clinical trials.