17 Questions
Which company developed aspirin in 1899?
Bayer
What was the initial purpose of thalidomide when it was first developed?
As a sleeping pill
What was the major breakthrough in diabetes management in the early 20th century?
Isolation of insulin
What event led to the shift of pharmaceutical dominance from Germany to other countries, particularly the US?
World War I
What was the outcome of the thalidomide tragedy in the 1960s?
It sparked public outrage and led to regulatory reforms
Who discovered that Salvarsan was effective against syphilis bacteria in 1909?
Paul Ehrlich and Sahachiro Hato
What was the first 'blockbuster' drug developed for?
Stomach ulcers
Which of the following medications is used for anxiety disorders, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Valium
When was the first smallpox vaccine developed using the cowpox virus?
1790s
What is the main contribution of ACE inhibitors in terms of health?
Improved cardiac health
What is a major concern in the pharmaceutical industry?
Rising drug costs
What was the significance of the Contraceptive Pill in the 1960s?
It transformed society and women's lives
What was the significance of Daniel Bovet's discovery in 1937?
He discovered the first antihistamine substance, a breakthrough in allergy treatment
What is the primary focus of prevention measures for coronary artery disease?
Lifestyle changes, medications like statins, and ongoing research for better treatments
What was the significance of Kimishige and Teruko Ishizaka's discovery in 1967?
They discovered the role of IgE antibodies in allergic reactions
What has been increasing in prevalence, especially in developed countries?
The prevalence of allergies, including food allergies, eczema, and asthma
What award did Daniel Bovet receive in 1947?
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Study Notes
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.
Learn about the early days of the pharmaceutical industry, from small firms to large companies like Bayer and Pfizer, and the development of vaccines and important discoveries.
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