Pharmaceutical Industry History

Pharmaceutical Industry Development

• The post-World War II period saw a significant escalation in pill production, leading to compromises in quality and safety.
• The industry grew into one of the largest globally, but faced challenges such as rising drug costs, accusations of profiteering, disparities in research focus, and the ongoing search for cures for diseases like malaria and cancers.

Notable Scientists and Discoveries

• Edward Jenner developed the world's first smallpox vaccine using the cowpox virus in the 1790s.
• Louis Pasteur devised vaccines for rabies and anthrax in the 1880s.
• Dmitry Ivanovsky described the first known virus in 1892.
• Paul Ehrlich and Sahachiro Hato discovered that Salvarsan was effective against syphilis bacteria in 1909.

Development of Vaccines and Medicines

• Vaccines were developed in the late 19th century, including those for diphtheria and tetanus.
• Insulin was isolated to treat diabetes, and penicillin was discovered in 1928.
• The first antihistamine substance was discovered by Daniel Bovet in 1937.
• Antihistamine drugs were developed based on Bovet's discovery, providing relief from allergic reactions.
• Kimishige and Teruko Ishizaka discovered the role of IgE antibodies in allergic reactions, leading to targeted allergy treatments.

Challenges and Controversies

• The Thalidomide Scandal in the 1950s and 1960s led to public outcry and regulatory reforms due to inadequate drug testing.
• The prevalence of allergies, including food allergies, eczema, and asthma, has been increasing, especially in developed countries.

Medical Breakthroughs

• The discovery of ACE inhibitors in 1975 improved cardiac health.
• Tagamet (Cimetidine) was developed in 1977 as the first "blockbuster" drug for stomach ulcers, earning a Nobel Prize and significant profits.