Abstract

PEREZ PENA, Julián Lázaro  and  JIMENEZ RODRIGUEZ, Daise. The discreet charm of drugs. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2014, vol.40, n.4, pp. 349-360. ISSN 0864-3466.

This article summarized a group of lectures on the world drug industry delivered from 2010 to 2013 in a number of national and international fora. Taking into account that a pharmaceutical is a social asset used to prevent diseases and recover human health, the behavior of the drug production and consumption worldwide shows a awkward overview in terms of the real needs of the population. An analysis was made on the elements involved in such behavior, beginning with a characterization of the world current drug industry and analyzing three aspects related to the results: medical-drug research, medical promotion and information and operation of the national drug regulatory agencies. The world drug industry has provided huge benefits for the treatment of diseases and this is an undeniable fact; however, the Big Pharma needs to be profitable. Globalization and neoliberalism have created patterns of incentives and behaviors mainly based on the market interests. We should be aware of that in the future. This new century poses new challenges for the peoples, their governments and for the Big Pharma in terms of health, disease and how to face it.

Keywords : world drug industry; drug consumption; drug promotion; drug expenses; regulatory bodies; medical information; fabricated diseases.

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