How Are Medicines Made? The Basics Explained

Did you know that it takes an average of 10 years for a medication to be made, tested, and distributed?

Making medication is a long process that involves years of research and testing.

If you want to understand to gain medicinal knowledge, learning the process to make medications can help.

Continue reading to discover how are medicines made with a general process!

Research Begins

If you have been wondering how are medicines made, the answer begins with a question.

Researchers and people from the pharmaceutical industry often focus on a specific disease or illness that they want to treat. Before making medicines they must first understand the details of the symptom they are trying to treat.

Part of this treatment involves looking at previous medicine examples to determine which will be most effective. Although a lot of research is required, researchers also use existing studies to build ideas off of.

Identify Targets

Many types of medicines have different targets or genes and proteins that react with a disease.

After the initial research, researchers turn to plants, fungi, and marine animals for natural compounds. These compounds can help treat symptoms of diseases and illnesses. By manipulating these targets, researchers can determine if they will help treat the issue.

The process of identifying targets generally takes a bit of time because it involves trial and error.

Read Also: Benefits for patients using Concierge Medicine

Test Medicine Molecules

Once the target ingredients get identified, researchers begin testing their medicine.

They will first confirm that the molecules of their medicine have a positive effect on treating the disease. They must also ensure that the medicine is safe to use and won’t cause serious side effects.

The testing period will put the medicine through cold logistics and a clinical trial period. An application must be submitted at this time so that the medicine can be better regulated and understood.

Patent & Marketing

After the medicine has successfully gone through its clinical trials, it will need a patent.

A patent will help prevent other companies or institutes from duplicating your development. This also helps preserve the intellectual property of a drug. Intellectual property involves things like the formulation and manufacturing process.

When the patent is made, marketing can begin. Researchers typically pair with marketing and business companies to develop a plan for sales. With proper marketing, the medicine can be directed to patients and individuals seeking treatment.

How Are Medicines Made Today?

If you have ever wondered, “how are medicines made?” the answer is more simple than you think.

Although the process takes a decade to complete, there are only a few stages to understand. By utilizing this guide, you can discover the process of medications from start to finish. This information is important if you take meds and want to know where they came from.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or a professional about medications if you have any concerns.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about the pharmaceutical industry and health!