Pandemic Medicine: Why the Global Innovation System Is Broken, and How We Can Fix It

The global pharmaceutical industry has failed to bring to market drugs that cure disease, despite advances in modern medicine and Covid vaccines. Kathryn Ibata-Arens analyzes the rise and decline of the global innovation system for new drug development and proposes a policy framework for fast-tracking the implementation of new discoveries and preparing for future pandemics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 217 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc

Despite a century of advancements in modern medicine, as well as the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, the global pharmaceutical industry has largely failed to bring to market drugs that actually cure disease. Why? And looking further ahead, how can government policies stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs? Is there an untapped potential for natural medicines in new drug discovery? How have private-public sector partnerships transformed the ways we innovate? To what extent are medicinal plant biodiversity and human health codependent? Addressing these increasingly critical questions, Kathryn Ibata-Arens analyzes the rise and decline of the global innovation system for new drug development and proposes a policy framework for fast-tracking the implementation of new discoveries and preparing for future pandemics.

The pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides in modern medicine, with advancements in treatments and vaccines for various diseases. However, despite these achievements, the industry has struggled to develop drugs that cure diseases. This is due to several factors, including the complexity of the human body, the high cost of drug development, and the regulatory hurdles.

One of the main challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry is the complexity of the human body. The human body is a complex system with millions of cells and tissues, and it is difficult to develop drugs that target specific cells or tissues without causing side effects. This complexity makes it difficult to develop drugs that are effective and safe for long-term use.

Another challenge facing the pharmaceutical industry is the high cost of drug development. The development of a new drug can take several years and millions of dollars, and there is no guarantee that the drug will be successful in the market. This high cost makes it difficult for small companies and startups to develop new drugs, as they may not have the financial resources to invest in such projects.

The regulatory hurdles are also a significant challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. The approval process for new drugs is rigorous and time-consuming, and it can take several years for a drug to be approved and marketed. This regulatory process can be costly and time-consuming, and it can discourage companies from investing in new drug development.

Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that the government can use to stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs. One strategy is to provide funding for research and development of new drugs. The government can provide funding for research and development through grants, loans, and tax incentives. This funding can help small companies and startups develop new drugs, as they may not have the financial resources to invest in such projects.

Another strategy that the government can use to stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs is to streamline the regulatory process. The government can reduce the time and cost of the approval process for new drugs by providing regulatory guidance and support. This can help small companies and startups develop new drugs more quickly and efficiently, as they may not have the resources to navigate the regulatory process on their own.

In addition to government policies, there are several other strategies that can be used to stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs. One strategy is to promote collaboration between the private and public sectors. The private sector has the expertise and resources to develop new drugs, while the public sector has the expertise and resources to fund research and development. By promoting collaboration between these sectors, it is possible to develop new drugs more quickly and efficiently.

Another strategy that can be used to stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs is to promote the use of natural medicines. Natural medicines have been used for centuries to treat various diseases, and they are often less expensive and more effective than traditional drugs. By promoting the use of natural medicines, it is possible to increase access to healthcare for people in developing countries, who may not have access to traditional drugs.

In conclusion, the global pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides in modern medicine, but it has struggled to develop drugs that cure diseases. This is due to the complexity of the human body, the high cost of drug development, and the regulatory hurdles. However, by using government policies to stimulate investment in the development of curative drugs, promoting collaboration between the private and public sectors, and promoting the use of natural medicines, it is possible to improve access to healthcare and develop new drugs that cure diseases.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781626379718