Drug Discovery
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.1.18
Drug Discovery
In the past, most drugs were extracted (taken from) from plants and microorganisms. Nowadays, most drugs are synthesised (made) by chemists in the pharmaceutical industry.
Past
- The heart drug Digitalis originates from foxgloves (a plant). It was first used 200 years ago by William Withering.
- The painkiller Aspirin originates from willow trees.
- Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic Penicillin, which is made from the Penicillium mould.
Present
- Nowadays, most drugs are synthesised (made) by chemists in the pharmaceutical industry.
- But the ingredients of these drugs may be chemicals extracted (taken) from plants.
Test yourself on Drug Discovery
Which of these are true about drugs in the past?
What best describes how drug production has changed from the past to now?