The US pharmaceutical industry represents 40% of global pharmaceutical sales. Pharmaceutical research has improved the quality of millions of Americans. People are living longer thanks to the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Many people know of pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Novartis. The inner workings of pharmaceutical work are generally less understood by the public.
What Are Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Doing?
The pharmaceutical manufacturing process is not the first step. Molecular biologists must research new drug formulas. Specialized areas of scientists do this work every day.
Research
Pharmaceutical scientists work in special laboratories. They observe and document how different compounds interact with organisms that cause disease.
Scientists are also responsible for understanding how drugs interact with the human body. Not all drugs are safe for humans.
Clinical tests
Once the research is done, there are clinical trials. It was only then that a pharmaceutical manufacturer can start producing pills.
Researchers follow a study design that documents the reaction of animals and volunteers. The Food and Drug Administration follows every step of the testing process.
The first phase establishes whether a drug is safe for human use. Dosage amounts are also established. During this initial phase, about 70% of drugs pass this initial phase, according to the FDA.
Phase two takes several months to a few years. In this condition, people who can use the drug are given experimental treatment.
The third step measures the effectiveness of the drug. He also looks for potential side effects.
The fourth step involves a large study group of patients. If the FDA approves the final step, the product is ready to market.
Drug manufacturing
Once a drug is approved by the FDA, the drug manufacturer can start producing the product. The basic steps included in the manufacture of drugs include crushing, granulating, coating and pressing of tablets.
Grinding breaks down the active and non-active ingredients. The body can break down and absorb the last fine particles.
Granulation can be viewed as the opposite process to grinding. The granulation transforms a fine powder into small granules.
Mass production can be achieved through the continuous manufacturing process. Special feeders are used by drug manufacturers. The device accurately feeds powders of the same consistency.
The last step is to squeeze the medicine into tablets. The manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs is incredibly precise. X-rays are often used to ensure that the quality and consistency of drugs reach the market.
Marketing and distribution
Companies work with teams or other groups to bring new options to market. Advertisements are often used in magazines, newspapers and TV shows. Established pharmaceutical companies generally have established distribution networks.
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