We know the causes of 4,000 diseases, yet we can only treat 250.
In short: Geneticist and physician Francis Collins examines the massive gap between our understanding of disease and our ability to treat it. He argues for a more systematic approach to drug discovery and explores creative solutions, such as repurposing existing medications for new uses.
Despite identifying the molecular origins of 4,000 distinct diseases, modern medicine currently offers treatments for only 250 of them. This discrepancy highlights a significant bottleneck in pharmaceutical development that leaves many patients without options.
Francis Collins advocates for a shift toward systematic drug discovery that addresses both rare and complex conditions. One promising strategy discussed is the practice of teaching old drugs new tricks, which involves investigating whether existing, approved medications can be effectively applied to treat different diseases than those for which they were originally intended.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: We need better drugs -- now - Francis Collins
- Also: We need better drugs -- now
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