Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
23:53
Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Published on: April 29, 2007
Pharmaceutical research: paradox, challenge or dilemma?
1Pharmacy, Nutrition and Central Sterile Services Department, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. latif.sheikh@aku.edu
Summary
Pharmaceutical research in developing countries like Pakistan offers significant benefits to patients and the nation. Promoting good clinical practice and developing national guidelines are crucial for ethical and effective research conduct.
Area of Science:
- Clinical research
- Pharmaceutical development
- Global health ethics
Background:
- Pharmaceutical research is increasingly conducted in developing nations, including Pakistan.
- Concerns exist regarding the ethical and economic benefits for host countries and participants, particularly vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of pharmaceutical research in Pakistan.
- To explore the implications for both the country and the study participants.
- To advocate for best practices in clinical research conducted in developing countries.
Main Methods:
- This study involves a critical review of current pharmaceutical research practices in Pakistan.
- Analysis of existing literature and ethical considerations related to clinical trials in developing economies.
- Discussion of policy recommendations for governing pharmaceutical research.
Main Results:
- Pharmaceutical research can yield substantial benefits for patients and the national economy in Pakistan.
- Potential risks include exploitation of poorly educated or illiterate participants.
- Effective implementation requires adherence to international standards and local regulations.
Conclusions:
- Pharmaceutical research in Pakistan presents a dual opportunity for advancement and ethical challenge.
- Strengthening good clinical practice (GCP) and establishing robust national guidelines are essential.
- Collaborative efforts between government and industry are vital to ensure equitable benefits and participant protection.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Problems
The empirical approach to drug therapy optimization relies on correlating pharmacological response with administered dosage. Such an approach can be costly, time-consuming, and often yields poor correlation due to variables like formulation factors and drug elimination characteristics. A more precise approach correlates response with plasma drug concentration or the amount of drug in the body, rather than dosage. This is achieved through pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, which...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
01:27Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Changes in polymorphic forms can significantly influence the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Although the FDA defines pharmaceutical equivalence based on having the same active ingredient, dosage form, and route of administration, it does not automatically disqualify products with different polymorphic forms. This means two products with different polymorphs can still be deemed pharmaceutically equivalent. However, polymorphic differences can affect properties like wettability,...
01:25Drug Regulation
Drug regulation encompasses the management of drug usage by evaluating its safety and efficacy through assessments conducted by regulatory authorities. Regrettably, the history of drug regulation is marred by several catastrophic events. One such incident is the Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, in which the toxic compound diethyl glycol was included in a sweet-tasting medication, leading to numerous fatalities. This event prompted the enactment of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under...
01:19Pharmacovigilance
Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of pharmaceutical regulation, often uncovering unanticipated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) once a drug is widely used over an extended period.
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...