Since ancient times, people by chance have discovered natural remedies that heal injuries and cure illnesses. More recently, chemists have designed, synthesized, and characterized a vast array of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in response to advances in medical knowledge. In discussing such drugs, we will consider these questions:
• From where do the ideas and resources to develop drugs come?
• What is the process by which pharmaceuticals make it to market?
• Why can’t all medicines be generic and over-the-counter?
• What are the merits and pitfalls of herbal medicines?