The challenge for the pharmaceutical industry in the 21st century: discovery, development and access to medicines in a distrustful environment
David Gillen
Pfizer, UK
The medical and general population of the UK and the world has an expectation that medicines are and will be available, both over the counter and on prescription. This extends to an expectation that novel and innovative medicines will be steadily developed for the improved treatment of diseases already treatable, though inadequately, and for the treatment of diseases that have not previously been effectively treated. However, the medical and general population as a whole is deeply suspicious of commerce.
Development of medicines requires research in its broadest terms, thinking out of the box, collaboration, commercial research etc. Academic research may or may not lead to commercial development, but without pharmaceutical companies providing manufacturing, regulatory and development experience, effective new medicines are very unlikely to reach patients.
Yet we are at a cross- road, the general attitude of Health Care Professionals, patients and the media (lay and medical) is hostile towards the industry [1] and this broken relationship may be adversely affecting the scientific communities ability to innovate and bring medicines to patients.
Within the pharmaceutical industry, it is imperative that we continue to adapt. To maximise the credibility of the industry relations with its multiple stakeholders, it must continue to take seriously its responsibility to communicate openly and transparently about how it operates. In order to increase the chance of us developing innovative medicines which will be available to patients it is essential that we work with decision makers and that prescribers take an active partnership role in these relations.
References
[1] Doctors and the drug industry: Godlee F, BMJ 2008, 336 1
Declaration of competing interest for David Gillen: David Gillen is a full-time employee of Pfizer Inc.
