Are They Really On Our Side?

"Big Pharma"

The companies that fall under this umbrella are often characterized by their substantial financial resources, extensive research, developmental capabilities, and global reach. They play a significant role in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs. So, when we pay abhorrent prices for prescription medication, is the cost justified? Pharmaceutical companies often emphasize the high costs and risks associated with researching and developing new drugs as a justification for the prices of their products.

As a business owner, I can empathize with some of their justification. I mean after all; they have been responsible for developing many life-saving medications and vaccines that have had a significant positive impact on global health. Often, I hear stories of medication being over charged by pharmaceutical companies, and I just cringe. How is it possible for them to take such actions? I'm not just questioning their adherence to moral standards but also considering the legality of their actions.

Take this one case for example:

In 2015, Turing Pharmaceuticals, under the leadership of Martin Shkreli, acquired the rights to Daraprim, a drug used to treat parasitic infections. Shkreli raised the price of Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 per tablet overnight. This drastic price increase sparked controversy and public outrage, as Daraprim is a vital medication for some vulnerable patient populations. The case drew attention to the issue of drug pricing and the lack of affordable access to certain essential medications.

Here’s another:

In 2007, the cost of a two-pack EpiPen cost less than $100. Mylan acquired the rights to the EpiPen in 2007, and over the following years, the price of the device experienced substantial increases. By 2016, the cost of a two-pack of EpiPens had risen to over $600, a significant increase from the price in earlier years. One factor contributing to the controversy was the absence of generic competition for the EpiPen. Although the EpiPen had been on the market for several years, no generic alternatives were readily available, allowing Mylan to maintain a virtual monopoly on the auto-injector. In response to the public outcry, Mylan took several actions. The company offered a generic version of the EpiPen at a lower cost and provided assistance programs to help some patients afford the device. The assistance was a $300 gift card that would benefit patients with higher health care plans. According to an article penned by Martha C. White in Money. Com dated September 7th, 2016, “Pharmaceutical industry experts estimate that the medicine and its auto-injector, for which Mylan charges roughly $300 a pop, cost around $30 to produce”.

These are just two examples of probably thousands that exist. Please understand that I don’t despise the industry. Far from it. Like I stated previously, the industry has invented incredible medicines and have significantly contributed to the health care industry. However, I personally believe that we have allowed an evil side of capitalism to infiltrate our health care system.

“How Did We Get Here?”

Let’s take a look at the history of the pharmaceutical industry as it relates to herbal medicine. The history of pharmaceuticals is closely intertwined with the historical use of herbal medicine. Before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, societies relied extensively on the medicinal properties of plants for treating various ailments. Here is a brief overview of the history of pharmaceuticals as it relates to herbal medicine:

1. Ancient Civilizations:

   • Herbal medicine has roots in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, India, and Greece. Ancient texts from these cultures documented the use of plants for medicinal purposes. For example, the Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt contains information about numerous herbal remedies.

2. Middle Ages and Renaissance:

   • During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a crucial role in preserving knowledge about herbal medicine. Herbalists, often referred to as wise women or healers, provided remedies based on local plants. The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in the scientific study of plants and their medicinal properties.

3. Herbalists and Apothecaries:

   • Herbalists and apothecaries were key figures in the preparation and dispensing of herbal remedies. They developed extensive knowledge of local plants and their uses. The apothecaries' shops often stocked a wide range of herbal preparations.

4. Botanical Gardens and Herbals:

   • The establishment of botanical gardens in the 16th century contributed to the systematic study of plants. Herbalists compiled herbals, illustrated texts that detailed the appearance and uses of medicinal plants.

5. Isolation of Active Compounds:

   • The 19th century saw the isolation of active compounds from medicinal plants. Morphine from opium poppies, quinine from cinchona bark, and salicin from willow bark are examples. This laid the foundation for the development of modern pharmacology.

6. Introduction of Herbal Drugs into Pharmacopoeias:

   • Many herbal drugs found their way into official pharmacopoeias during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These included plant-derived substances like digitalis (from foxglove) and belladonna (from deadly nightshade).

7. Synthetic Drugs and Standardization:

   • The later part of the 19th century and early 20th century witnessed advancements in synthetic chemistry, leading to the development of synthetic drugs. However, herbal medicine continued to be practiced alongside the use of synthetic compounds. As allopathic medicine gained prominence, regulations and standards for the pharmaceutical industry were established. This led to the formalization of drug approval processes and the development of pharmacopoeias that often focused on isolated compounds.

8. Decline of Herbal Medicine in Western Medicine:

   • With the rise of modern pharmaceuticals and the emphasis on isolating active compounds, herbal medicine saw a decline in Western medical practice during the mid-20th century.

9. Resurgence of Interest:

   • In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbal medicine. Traditional herbal knowledge is being explored for potential therapeutic benefits, leading to research on herbal extracts and phytochemicals.

10. Integration of Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmaceuticals:

    • Some pharmaceutical drugs are derived from or inspired by compounds found in plants. Additionally, herbal supplements and botanical extracts are increasingly being studied for their potential health benefits.

The history of pharmaceuticals as it relates to herbal medicine is a dynamic journey that reflects the evolving relationship between traditional plant-based remedies and the development of modern pharmaceuticals. Today, there is a growing recognition of the value of herbal medicine, both in preserving cultural practices and exploring new avenues for healthcare.

I’m 60 years old and maybe 60 years too late, but I’m going back to what God gave us, herbs.