Developing New Medicines

Discovery and Development Process

New medicines are discovered through intensive research in the lab, often starting with a large number of potential compounds.
Testing these compounds involves a series of stages such as preclinical trials in a lab using cells, tissues and animals, to observe the effects and establish safety.
Following preclinical trials are clinical trials, which are conducted on human volunteers in three phases to determine safety, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects.
If the results are satisfactory, the medicine will then be approved by regulatory authorities like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Many medicines have been discovered using active ingredients from natural sources, including plants, fungi, bacteria and animals.
For example, the heart medication digitalis is derived from the foxglove plant, and penicillin is derived from a strain of fungi.
Natural sources provide a rich diversity of compounds, making them important for drug discovery.

Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies made in a lab that are designed to target specific cells.
They are used to treat a variety of conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections.
Monoclonal antibodies attach themselves to specific proteins on the surface of cells, which can either trigger the immune system to attack those cells, or block the cell function.

Genetics and biotechnology play a crucial role in medicine discovery. Scientists can genetically modify organisms to produce large quantities of a desired compound.
For example, recombinant DNA technology is used to produce insulin by inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria, which then produce the insulin protein.
This method for producing insulin is more effective and safer for patients with diabetes, replacing methods that involved extracting insulin from animal pancreases.

The development of new medicines raises ethical and social questions.
Issues may revolve around testing on animals (animal ethics), the accessibility and cost of medicines (social inequality), and ownership of genetic material or medicines that have been derived from specific populations or countries (bio-piracy).
Navigating these issues is a crucial aspect of modern medicine development. Public opinion, regulation, and international agreements are often key elements in addressing these challenges.

New medicines are integral in global health challenges, providing potential solutions for emerging diseases, antibiotic resistance, and chronic diseases.
Combined with public health initiatives, vaccinations, and improved living conditions, new medicines continually contribute to increasing lifespans and improving quality of life worldwide.
The development of new medicines is a complex, lengthy and expensive process. However, the resulting drugs can have a profound impact on individual and global health.