How Medicines Are Born: The Imperfect Science Of Drugs

by Lisa Vozza, Maurizio D'incalci, Andreas Gescher (Translator)

Overview

This book is an excursion into the drug development process, from the initial conception in a chemical or molecular biology lab, via tests in isolated cells and animals, to the stage of clinical trials. The human body is a complex ecosystem where little is conclusively known in terms of its response to medication, for both sick and healthy individuals. The considerable degree of uncertainty inherent in health-related research can lead to approval of controversial medicines, particularly in high-stakes scenarios and medical crises. Real-life examples are drawn on here to explain the decision making processes behind the acceptance of new drugs, disproving misconceptions around medicines by delving into the history and current practice of the drug development process.Originally written in Italian, How Medicines are Born helps patients, students, public health officials physicians, healthcare practitioners and biomedical scientists make informed decisions on the benefits and disadvantages of select medicine based on an understanding of the history of drug development.Published in Italian (2014), M D'Incalci & L Vozza, Come Nascono le Medicine; La scienza imperfetta dei farmaci. Bologna: ZanichelliRelated Link(s)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786342980
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Europe Ltd
Publication date:	06/14/2017
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword - Improving the Culture of Medicine v

About the Authors vii

Precautions and Warnings before Using this Book xi

Chapter 1 To Cure, Heal or Repair 1

Chapter 2 Hunting for Drugs 21

Chapter 3 Laboratory Studies 47

Chapter 4 First Time in Humans 59

Chapter 5 Only Probabilities, Never Certainties 81

Chapter 6 Approval or Rejection 91

Chapter 7 Vigilance, Revisions, New Indications 107

Chapter 8 Predicting the Drugs of the Future 119

Chapter 9 Not Every Pill is a Proper Drug 137

If You Want to Know More… 145

Myths to be Dispelled 147

Did You Know That… 153

Index 165