Chapter 1: Why Develop New Drugs?
In an era where discussions about prescription drugs are often centered around high costs and inadequate access, it is important to recognize that the development of new drugs has brought about profound and far-reaching benefits to society.
Not only have drugs positively impacted our individual longevity, health and well-being, they have also dramatically improved the collective health of societies and economies around the world.
In this chapter, we will explore:
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The benefits that new drugs have brought to individuals and society.
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Some of the most important drug inventions in the past 50 years.
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The benefits of having and using new drugs versus the cost to the patient.
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The “Mortgage vs. Rent” model of drug development, and why it matters.
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The significance of prescription drugs in healthcare (and the proportion of healthcare spending that comes from prescription drugs).