The Growing Medication Problem: Perspective from Industry

Abstract

According to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, over four billion prescriptions are filled each year [1]. While many people experience effective therapy, not all drugs are effective for all people. In fact, response rates for many drugs are only 50–75% [2]. In addition, adverse drug reactions produce more than 3.5 million physician office visits [3] and approximately 1 million emergency department visits [4] annually, as well as contributing an estimated $3.5 billion to U.S. healthcare costs [5]. These issues are largely thought to be related to a few paradigms in drug delivery and development. First, today’s standard of care for prescribing medications is still largely dependent on a “trial and error” approach. Second, pharmaceutical companies utilize observed population averages to establish medication guidelines, including dosages, disease effectiveness and side effects. Third, our genetics play a significant role in the effectiveness of many medications, however, very few providers have access to, understand, or use this information effectively when making prescription decisions.