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In the vast field of healthcare, pharmacology plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of how drugs interact with living organisms. This branch of science not only delves into the effects of drugs on the body but also encompasses the meticulous process of drug discovery and development. Let's unravel the intricate mechanisms that contribute to the advancements in healthcare.
Understanding pharmacology is similar to figuring out the language of drugs and their impact on the human body. This section serves as the foundation for understanding drug development and its implications.
Definition of Pharmacology: It is the branch of biology that deals with the study of drugs and their interactions with living organisms.
Drug Classification: Drugs are classified based on their origin, chemical structure, and therapeutic effects.
Agonists and Antagonists
Agonists mimic the action of endogenous substances, activating receptors.
Antagonists block receptor activity, inhibiting the effects of endogenous substances.
Enzyme Inhibition
Drugs can inhibit specific enzymes, altering biochemical pathways.
Receptor Binding
Affinity and efficacy determine the strength and nature of drug-receptor interactions.
The process of drug development is a cautious journey involving several phases, ensuring safety and efficacy before reaching patients.
Discovery Phase
Identification of potential drug candidates through laboratory research.
Comprehensive screening to assess thousands of compounds for biological activity.
Preclinical Testing
In-depth laboratory and animal testing to evaluate safety and efficacy.
Investigational New Drug (IND) application submission to regulatory authorities.
Clinical Trials
Phase I: Small-scale trials assessing safety in a limited number of healthy volunteers.
Phase II: Efficacy and safety evaluation in a larger patient population.
Phase III: Large-scale trials to confirm efficacy, monitor adverse effects, and compare against existing treatments.
Regulatory Approval
Submission of New Drug Application (NDA) to regulatory agencies.
Rigorous review process by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA) before approval.
Post-Marketing Surveillance
Continuous monitoring of drug safety and efficacy after approval.
Reporting and managing adverse effects.
Also read: Telemedicine And Health Apps: How Tech Is Revolutionising Healthcare
Success in drug development has far-reaching effects on the healthcare system, changing the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.
Targeted Therapies: Drugs designed to target specific molecules involved in disease processes.
Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's immune system to fight diseases.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Engineered antibodies targeting specific proteins are used in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Gene Therapy
Introducing genetic material to treat or prevent diseases caused by genetic mutations.
While drug development has brought about tremendous advancements, it also poses challenges and ethical dilemmas.
High Development Costs
Research and development expenses contribute to the high cost of new drugs.
Balancing accessibility with sustainability.
Drug Resistance
Emerging resistance to antimicrobial drugs and cancer therapies.
Necessity for ongoing research to address resistance.
Informed Consent
Ensuring participants in clinical trials have comprehensive information and voluntarily consent.
Equitable Access
Addressing disparities in access to new treatments globally.
Also Read: Neurobiology: Advanced study of the nervous system and brain function
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