[Some thoughts on therapeutic research].
Today, and no doubt for a long time to come, nature will be the main source of novel active drugs. The study of the mechanisms of action of these drugs will produce unexpected progress in biology, confirming the premonitory opinion stated by Claude Bernard more than a century ago that "Drugs are the reagents of biology". In France, research performed in the pharmaceutical industry can take legitimate pride in a number of remarkable discoveries. It is regrettable however that collaboration between scientists from private companies and those working in academic institutions is not adequately developed. Adaptation of biomedical curricula for various professions concerned with health in general (physicians, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, physiotherapists, etc.) including, among other steps, a reduction in the number of Schools of Pharmacy and/or the creation of Advanced Schools of Drug Research and Development should provide a new impetus to therapeutic research, thereby stimulating its creativity and efficacy.
Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles du C.N.R.S., avenue de la Terrasse, F91198 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex.
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D001695:Biology; D004345:Drug Industry; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000639:trends; D005602:France; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends