How Pharmaceuticals Make It to Market…

And where pharmacy technicians come in.

People use pharmaceuticals every day without giving much thought to where they come from. This article explores the pharmaceutical development process and provides insight into how today’s most frequently prescribed drugs make it from early development to your local pharmacy.

Step 1: Research

This is often the stage where initial breakthroughs happen. Whether companies want to develop a drug to fight cancer or cure the common cold, research and laboratory studies are where all drugs begin. *

Step 2: Determine safety and effectiveness

When manufacturers or potential marketers are thinking about bringing a new drug to the commercial market, the first questions they need to ask are: “Is this safe and is it needed?” From there, they will begin collecting data and necessary information to establish the drug’s safety and effectiveness. This typically happens through some form of animal testing.

Step 3: Submit an application to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

In the United States, pharmaceutical companies must gain permission from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to further develop and test potential drugs. This includes submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and explaining the need for the drug, the animal pharmacology and toxicology studies, manufacturing information, clinical protocols and investigator information.

Step 4: Clinical trials

After submitting the IND application, pharmaceutical companies must wait at least 30 calendar days for the FDA to review it and give the go-ahead to begin clinical trials. At this stage, human testing can begin.

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Step 5: Review and approval

As soon as they conclude the clinical trials stage, pharmaceutical companies can begin examining the results. If the drug is determined to be safe and effective, the company will then submit a New Drug Application, which outlines the manufacturing specifications and other important information needed to bring the drug to market. After this review process is complete, the company may proceed with marketing its new drug for commercial use.

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Step 6: At the counter

This is where pharmacy technicians come in. They work on the front lines of distribution to the public. They ensure that proper medication, dosage and critical information about the drug are delivered to consumers to protect their safety.

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Online vs. Campus-Based Degree Programs

 

With the number of online-based education programs available from colleges and universities in the United States increasing, more students find themselves having to choose between campus-based and online learning. However, there are a multitude of benefits that a campus-based learning environment provides to students that online learning cannot. 

Below is a list of campus-based learning benefits.

Facilities and Resources

College campuses house multiple facilities and resources that students of online programs cannot experience. Libraries hold thousands of resources right at your fingertips; laboratories offer the latest equipment necessary for projects; and tutoring, advising and career counseling can all be experienced at locations on campus.  

Face-to-Face Interaction

Students of a campus-based education can easily interact face-to-face with both instructors and peers alike. Questions can be answered on the spot instead of waiting for a reply email. Group projects can be discussed in real time. And instructors are better able to motivate and inspire students while online learners may feel isolated and confused.

Structure

The structured nature of campus-based education is also beneficial to students. The regularity of scheduled class times and group projects can help students keep pace with their classes. Online students often develop the habit of procrastination and wait until the last minute to complete assignments. 

Networking

Students who enroll in campus-based programs have the opportunity to network with alumni, faculty and peers. Students feel more connected and programs with active alumni groups are able to help students explore career opportunities with the ultimate goal of helping them land a job.

So if you’re choosing between an online and campus-based education, make sure you consider the learning strategies and techniques that best suit your individual learning style.

Study Tips for Students Who Work Full Time

Nobody ever said it would be easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Balancing a work and study lifestyle has its challenges, but with determination, organization and proper time management, you can prepare for a better future while maintaining a steady income at the same time.

Here are three tips that can help you find that perfect balance:

Time Management

Your days and weeks need to be carefully planned. Make sure you set time aside every week for studying, but also for fitting in other commitments like family time, athletic activities, leisure time, etc. Since weekends might be the best time to get in a quality study session, try to plan for early Saturday or Sunday mornings to free up the afternoons and evenings for other activities.  

Organization

Create a space in your home where you can slip away from any distractions that can mentally take you away from your study time. Keep your textbooks, notes, computers, pens, etc., in this study space for easy access and retrieval whenever you need them. Having all of your study essentials organized and in one place can improve your study sessions and productivity.

Rewarding Yourself

This may be the most important factor in maintaining a healthy work and study balance. It’s easy to get bogged down and feel overwhelmed working a full-time schedule while going back to school. That’s why rewarding yourself and taking time off is not only beneficial – it’s a necessity! Set goals for yourself, and when you achieve them, reward yourself with a night off from studying or plan a trip or an evening out with your significant other or family. These rewards can help keep you mentally satisfied and renew your passion and drive to conquer the work and study lifestyle.