The History of Drug Development

The history of drug development began with ancient herbal remedies and has evolved significantly over centuries. In the 19th century, advances in chemistry led to the isolation of active compounds, such as morphine. The 20th century saw the rise of synthetic drugs and rigorous clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy. Regulatory bodies like the FDA were established to oversee drug approval processes. Today, drug development involves biotechnology and personalized medicine, making treatments more targeted and effective, while also addressing ethical, cost, and accessibility issues in healthcare.