New therapeutic paradigms

Abstract

Today's drug therapy offers examples, models and norms which are analysed in this short overview. The main conclusion to be drawn is that albeit new and important drugs are being introduced, there is no need to establish new principies governing therapy. Drug research has experienced in the Jast decade

new and important developments, as exemplified by its interdisciplinary scope, use of new technologies (genetics, genomics, computer science, combinatory chemistry, etc.), search for more selective and specific drugs, early intervention oi clinicians in the experimental planning, growing attention given to orphan diseases and those predominating in poor developping countries. Even the notion oi remedy or drug has changed, now being extended to chemical entities which alter physiological mechanisms (for exemple, contraceptives, sildenafil, arcabose, orlistat, etc.)

None of these alterations, novelties and evolutions justifies an adoption of new therapeutic norms, the classical principles of doing no harm, benefiting the patient and giving priority to his or her good continuing to be of paramount importance. Used in this way, drugs will continue to be what Galen called them, "deorum quasi manus sunt".