Overview
This lecture introduces the definition of drugs, their historical and modern roles in medicine, and outlines the major themes for a series on the history and impact of pharmaceuticals on human society.
Definition and Nature of Drugs
- A drug is any substance that causes a non-nutritional physiological effect when introduced to the body.
- Drugs can be natural or synthetic and may be administered orally, by injection, or via other methods.
- Drugs work by modifying physiological functions—enhancing, disrupting, or silencing them.
Historical Context of Drug Use
- Humans have used drugs medicinally throughout recorded history.
- The concept of disease and its treatment has evolved alongside advances in chemistry and related sciences.
- Early answers to disease and drug use came before knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry.
Focus of the Series
- The series will primarily discuss “ethical drugs”—those approved to treat or mitigate disease.
- There will also be discussion of recreational drugs, due to overlapping histories and chemical similarities.
- Emphasis will be on the historical development of the pharmaceutical industry.
Trends in Human Life Expectancy
- Life expectancy has generally increased over the last 80 years, especially in developed countries.
- In the Stone Age, average lifespan was about 32-33 years, limited by violence, disease, and starvation.
- The agricultural revolution led to population growth but did not immediately increase lifespan due to disease and poor diet.
- Major increases in life expectancy occurred with 20th-century advances in science and medicine.
Impact of Modern Medicine and Pharmaceuticals
- The rise of the pharmaceutical industry and scientific medicine has more than doubled life expectancy in the last century.
- Improvements in disease treatment, along with better hygiene, have greatly enhanced both lifespan and quality of life.
- Modern medicine aims to extend life and improve quality of life within economic and political constraints.
Economic and Ethical Considerations
- The pharmaceutical industry seeks profit as well as improvements in health.
- Economic factors mean life expectancy is higher in wealthier countries.
- The series will discuss issues of access, cost, innovation, and ethical challenges.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Drug — Any substance producing a non-nutritional physiological effect when introduced to the body.
- Ethical Drugs — Drugs approved by health authorities to cure or mitigate disease.
- Pharmaceutical Industry — Businesses involved in developing, producing, and marketing drugs.
- Biological Immortality — Theoretical state where aging is halted and mortality from age-related diseases is eliminated.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for discussions on the historical development of drugs and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Optional: Review basic concepts in chemistry, biology, or pharmacology if interested.