The invention describes the process of applying smooth pursuit eye movement tests toward the detection of the efficacy and, or, toxicity of neuro-pharmaceutical compounds throughout the clinical drug development process. Several different paradigms in smooth pursuit tracking tests and several analysis methods and metrics may be used. Application of smooth pursuit tracking tests allows for a quantifiable measurement of a subject's cognitive behavior and function. This process provides a cost effective and objective test of efficacy of neuro-pharmaceutical drugs and increase the validity of the clinical drug development process.