Universidad de Guanajuato

División de Ciencias
Naturales y Exactas

UDA: Inglés III

UNIT 3
Problem-Solution essay
Week 3

Teammates
Gonzalez Escalante Ruth Paulina
Granados Hernández Ángel Demian
Barrientos Alejo Saraí Jezabel
Zamudio Vázquez María Fernanda
Rayas Apolinar Leslie
Luna Martinez Alan Gustavo
 Regulation of the pharmaceutical industry:
promoting health or protecting wealth?

The pharmaceutical industry plays a pivotal role in society, serving the critical function of
developing and providing life-saving medications. However, the government's role in
regulating this industry is multifaceted and often conflicted, balancing the need to control
expenditure on pharmaceutical products with the promotion of innovation and economic
growth. This essay delves into the intricate relationship between government regulations,
industry innovation, and the global pharmaceutical landscape.
The government's primary aim is to ensure that pharmaceutical products meet rigorous
safety, efficacy, and quality standards. This entails a thorough regulatory system, but it's not
without its shortcomings. One notable issue is the incomplete reporting of clinical trials to
regulators, which can compromise the integrity of the approval process. Companies willing
to demonstrate the safety and potential benefits of their products to regulatory authorities
are allowed to market them, albeit at their own expense. This creates a delicate balance
between fostering innovation and maintaining rigorous standards. Additionally, global
pharmaceutical companies often adapt their products by region, making it challenging for
different regions to have access to specific drugs, highlighting the global nature of
pharmaceutical regulation.
Recognizing the immense cost involved in researching and developing new pharmaceutical
products, the government has stepped in to offer support. Policies that promote
pharmaceutical science not only improve public health but also bolster export income. The
quest for chemical substances, even if they are not feasible for drug development, can still
be valuable in the synthesis process, underscoring the importance of innovation.
Furthermore, the manufacturing costs of pharmaceutical products can be exorbitant, and
government intervention is necessary to incentivize investment and innovation, promoting
economic growth while ensuring access to vital medications. This creates a dynamic in
which the government is both a regulator and a sponsor of the pharmaceutical industry,
emphasizing the need to balance these roles for the benefit of society.
Pharmaceutical companies must contend with the challenge of maintaining demand for
their products while mitigating production costs. Governments have recognized the need
for economic support, particularly in the wake of challenges such as the COVID-19
pandemic. Limited financial resources often constrain the development of chemical
substances, and companies must explore cost-effective strategies. Using chemical
compounds similar to those required for a particular drug may offer a feasible solution that
balances cost, quality, and efficiency.
The pharmaceutical industry represents a crucial intersection of government regulation,
industry innovation, and economic growth. Government efforts to control pharmaceutical
expenditure, support innovation, and balance financial demands reflect a complex interplay
between public and private interests. As pharmaceutical companies continue to navigate
these challenges, the quest for safer, more effective, and affordable medications remains
paramount, with governments playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry's trajectory.