Research and discuss the process and development of new drugs. Name 2 new drugs and what they are used for. Respond to 2 classmates by adding information to the original postings about your experience with new drugs, or how you feel about the cost of medications.
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Introduction:
The process and development of new drugs is an important aspect of the pharmaceutical industry. It involves different stages, including drug discovery, preclinical testing, clinical trials, and FDA approval. In this assignment, we will discuss the process and development of new drugs and provide examples of two new drugs and their uses.
The Process and Development of New Drugs:
The process of developing a new drug starts with drug discovery, which involves identifying and validating a target molecule. Once a target molecule is identified, it goes through preclinical testing, which includes laboratory testing and animal testing. If the results of preclinical testing are promising, the drug moves on to clinical trials. The clinical trial process includes four phases, where the drug is tested on a progressively larger population of humans. If the drug is found to be safe and effective in clinical trials, an application is submitted to the FDA for approval. Once the FDA approves the drug, it can be marketed and sold to the public.
New Drugs and their Uses:
1) Aduhelm (Aducanumab) – Aduhelm is the first drug approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s disease in almost 20 years. It works by reducing the amount of beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and may cause damage to brain cells.
2) Sotatercept – Sotatercept is a new drug that has been approved by the FDA to treat patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. It works by inhibiting a protein called activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK-1) that can cause blood vessels to constrict and restrict blood flow.
Additional Information:
Classmate 1: It is exciting to see new drugs being developed and approved. However, as a pharmacist, I am concerned about the cost of medications. In my experience, some new drugs can be very expensive, and patients may not be able to afford them, even with insurance coverage.
Classmate 2: I agree with Classmate 1 about the cost of medications. It can be a significant burden for patients, especially those with chronic diseases who require long-term treatment. I believe that the pharmaceutical industry should work towards developing more affordable drugs for patients without compromising on quality and efficacy.