Dr. Geary will discuss the history of drug development. How has the search for chemicals that usefully affect human biology developed, what factors were crucial in advancing the science behind drug discovery, and where do we stand today?

In the next two decades, patient care will move from uniform remedies to preventive and personalized medicine that treats diseases before you get sick. Dr. Papadopoulos will discuss recent advances that will transform drug development, design, and delivery.

People differ in their responses to commonly prescribed pain medications because of environmental and genetic factors. Dr. Mogil will look at the possibilities and challenges of achieving individualized therapies for chronic pain.

Twenty years ago, the U.S. Surgeon General resoundingly concluded that nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction. Dr. Clarke will present a more nuanced view, highlighting different effects of cigarette smoking and cigarette smoke that may encourage the tobacco habit.

The use of nanobiotechnology in medicine is termed “nanomedicine.” Dr. Maysinger will discuss current advances in nanomedicine research, including targeted cancer therapies, localized drug delivery, and improved cell-material interactions for imaging of brain cells.

Over the past 50 years, our quality of life has improved thanks, in part, to a wide range of new chemicals. Some of these are now suspected of impairing fertility. Dr. Robaire will discuss the existing evidence and whether there are steps we should take to protect the next generation.

Three panelists with varying perspectives will consider the role of the pharmaceutical industry in modern society. Is it just big business? Should we expect more from drug companies, given their important role in the treatment of human health and disease?

Moderator:
Daniel Bernard, Ph.D.