NAMES:

BSMB 1A
Windale Marjory R. Brenio
Jinicille Minguita
Justine Obidos
Roldan Gorgonia
Jhon Loid Gordonas

Where do drugs come from?

Drugs play a complex and influential role in our world today. They have significant medical
value, providing relief from pain, managing chronic conditions, and saving lives. However, the
misuse and abuse of drugs have far-reaching consequences. Substance abuse and addiction
have profound social, economic, and public health impacts, straining relationships, disrupting
families, and contributing to unemployment and poverty. The illegal drug trade fuels criminal
activity, including violence and corruption, posing a threat to public safety and undermining the
rule of law.

Nature is a valuable source of drugs and medicinal compounds. Plants, in particular, have been
used for centuries in traditional medicine and continue to be an important source of natural
products for drug development. Many important drugs, especially antibacterial and antitumor
agents, have their origins in natural products. Animals, microbes, marine organisms, and
minerals also contribute to the discovery of new drugs. The chemical diversity and
pharmacological potential of natural products make them valuable resources for drug discovery
and development. New drugs can come from various sources. One significant source is natural
products, which are derived from plants, animals, microbes, marine organisms, and minerals.
Natural products have been a rich source of drug discovery for centuries. Another source is
synthetic chemistry, where medicinal chemists design and synthesize new molecules using
computational techniques and chemical synthesis. Biotechnology and genetic engineering also
contribute to the development of new drugs by manipulating genes and producing therapeutic
proteins. Drug repurposing involves finding new uses for existing drugs. The discovery and
development of new drugs involve a combination of scientific research, innovation, and rigorous
testing processes. The approval process for drugs involves pre-clinical trials on animals to
assess safety and efficacy, followed by three phases of clinical trials in humans. After successful
completion of the trials, a New Drug Application (NDA) is submitted to the FDA for review. The
entire drug development process takes about 12 to 15 years. If the FDA approves the drug, it
can be marketed and sold, but post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its safety and
effectiveness in real-world settings. The drug approval process prioritizes safety and efficacy to
ensure that medications are safe and effective for public use.
Using drugs responsibly and for their intended purposes is crucial for better health outcomes,
but it is equally important to avoid their abuse or misuse. It is essential to recognize that drugs
can provide significant benefits when used appropriately. Abusing drugs can lead to detrimental
effects on physical and mental health, addiction, and harmful consequences. It is essential to
approach drug use with caution, adhere to prescribed dosages, seek professional guidance,
and prioritize overall well-being to ensure a positive and safe experience. And as a chemistry
and biology student maybe someday I can contribute on drug development to help discover new
drugs that will benefit the humanity.

References:
World Health Organization
FDA Drug Approval Process-Drugs.com
Pubmed
Natural products derived from plants as source of drugs – PMC
U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- www fda.gov
The basic and the process of drug and approval | CRB