History of Drugs -- Great Discoveries That Have Sustained Human Life Since Modern Times

Author: (German) Boymüller
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Classic examples from 28 world-renowned pharmaceutical companies such as Bayer, Schering-Plough, Beringer, and Hoechst, as well as precious recollections from several Nobel laureates and over 10 distinguished medical scientists. A rich portrayal of the arduous research processes of the most famous drugs in modern times, as major pharmaceutical companies gradually open their doors. A world rarely known to us is revealed—full of setbacks and hopes, competition and cooperation, harshness and humanity. This book describes the relentless struggle between humans and diseases in countless laboratories and clinics, though these advancements, especially for those involved, came agonizingly slowly. The fate of many drugs often depends on a detailed understanding of the disease process during "drug design," making highly expensive basic research increasingly important, particularly in molecular biology. University and industrial research institutions must transcend all boundaries and cooperate more closely in this regard... This book depicts the emergence of the most famous drugs in modern medical history and the arduous struggles of the researchers who successfully developed them. The ever-emerging, frightening diseases, humanity's desire and efforts to conquer illness, and the various obstacles faced in overcoming challenges form the tone of the book. It lists almost all major diseases since modern times, revealing the secrets behind the tightly closed doors of major pharmaceutical companies in the modern era and the intense competition among researchers, thereby outlining significant issues of medical responsibility and medical ethics. It is not only a vivid popular science book but also an excellent read in the humanities. This book shows us a world quite alien to us, yet one that has profoundly influenced our daily lives... Classic examples from 28 world-renowned pharmaceutical companies such as Bayer, Schering-Plough, Beringer, and Hoechst, as well as precious recollections from several Nobel laureates and over 10 distinguished medical scientists. A rich portrayal of the arduous research processes of the most famous drugs in modern times, as major pharmaceutical companies gradually open their doors. A world rarely known to us is revealed—full of setbacks and hopes, competition and cooperation, harshness and humanity. This book describes the relentless struggle between humans and diseases in countless laboratories and clinics, though these advancements, especially for those involved, came agonizingly slowly. The fate of many drugs often depends on a detailed understanding of the disease process during "drug design," making highly expensive basic research increasingly important, particularly in molecular biology. University and industrial research institutions must transcend all boundaries and cooperate more closely in this regard... This book depicts the emergence of the most famous drugs in modern medical history and the arduous struggles of the researchers who successfully developed them. The ever-emerging, frightening diseases, humanity's desire and efforts to conquer illness, and the various obstacles faced in overcoming challenges form the tone of the book. It lists almost all major diseases since modern times, revealing the secrets behind the tightly closed doors of major pharmaceutical companies in the modern era and the intense competition among researchers, thereby outlining significant issues of medical responsibility and medical ethics. It is not only a vivid popular science book but also an excellent read in the humanities. This book shows us a world quite alien to us, yet one that has profoundly influenced our daily lives.