What has happened in more than 100 years of drug research and development?

In the history of drug development over 100 years, there have been breakthroughs and progress in drug development, such as penicillin, the "greatest invention of World War II", and Gleevec, the "magic drug", but there are also many problems that have not been overcome, including Alzheimer's disease. In this magnificent journey of drug development over the past 100 years, the light of human wisdom continues to illuminate the dark corners of medicine. With the rapid advancement of science and technology, especially the rise of biotechnology, gene editing, artificial intelligence and big data analysis, drug development is entering an era of innovation. Scientists no longer rely solely on traditional chemical synthesis and screening methods, but use these cutting-edge technologies to delve into the molecular mechanisms of diseases, locate therapeutic targets, and design safer and more personalized drugs.

For example, for the stubborn disease of Alzheimer's disease, scientists are exploring the root causes of neurodegenerative diseases by analyzing the variation and expression of Alzheimer's disease-related genes, and trying to develop innovative therapies that can intervene in the deposition of β-amyloid protein, promote neuronal repair or enhance cognitive function. At the same time, breakthroughs in gene therapy and cell therapy have also provided new ideas for the treatment of such complex diseases. Despite the challenges, each attempt is one step closer to the goal of unveiling the mystery of Alzheimer's disease and improving the quality of life of patients.

In addition, global cooperation and resource sharing have become an important force in promoting drug research and development. Cross-border and interdisciplinary research teams have worked together to accelerate the pace of new drugs from laboratory to clinical application. Policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, scientific research institutions and patient organizations have worked together to build a more open and inclusive innovation ecosystem, which has injected strong impetus into overcoming more medical problems and protecting human health and well-being.