Journal of Applied Pharmacy
Open Access

The Role of Pharmaceutics in Curing Diseases and Enhancing Health Outcomes

^*Correspondence: Damos Tami, Department of Pharmacy, University of New England, Armidale, Australia, Email:

Author info »

Description

Drug distribution is a multifaceted and contentious issue that encompasses a wide range of actors, motivations, and consequences. This study aims to delve into the complexities of drug distribution, exploring the various aspects that contribute to its persistence and the challenges it poses to society. From the illicit drug trade to the pharmaceutical industry, this commentary will provide a comprehensive analysis of drug distribution in all its forms. One of the most visible and concerning aspects of drug distribution is the illicit drug trade [1]. This underground economy operates outside the boundaries of legal frameworks, fuelling addiction, crime, and violence. Organized criminal networks play a significant role in facilitating the transportation and sale of illegal drugs across borders, often exploiting vulnerable populations and perpetuating cycles of poverty and social instability [2]. The illicit drug trade is a global issue, affecting countries and communities around the world. Its impact is felt not only in terms of public health but also in terms of economic costs and strain on law enforcement agencies. Efforts to combat the illicit drug trade have been ongoing for decades, with varying degrees of success.

Strategies range from interdiction and enforcement to demand reduction and harm reduction initiatives, emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes and consequences of drug distribution [3]. While the illicit drug trade garners significant attention, it is essential to recognize that drug distribution also encompasses the legal and regulated pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical companies develop, produce, and distribute medications that play a crucial role in treating illnesses and improving health outcomes. However, the pharmaceutical industry is not immune to its own set of challenges and controversies [4]. One pressing concern is the issue of drug pricing and accessibility. The high cost of prescription drugs can create barriers to access, particularly for vulnerable populations without adequate insurance coverage or financial means. This has sparked debates about the ethics of profit-making within the pharmaceutical industry and the need for more affordable alternatives to ensure equitable distribution of essential medications [5]. Moreover, the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs also raises concerns about overprescribing, off-label use, and the potential for misuse or abuse.

The opioid crisis in the United States serves as a tragic example of how the distribution of prescription painkillers can lead to widespread addiction and devastating consequences for individuals and communities [6]. Beyond the realm of illegal drugs and the pharmaceutical industry, another crucial aspect of drug distribution revolves around the disparities in access to medications and healthcare across different regions of the world. Many developing countries struggle to provide their populations with essential medications, leading to inadequate treatment for prevalent diseases and public health crises [7].

These disparities are often rooted in socioeconomic factors, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient healthcare systems [8,9]. Limited access to medications can result in unnecessary suffering, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and exacerbation of existing inequalities. Addressing these disparities requires collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure fair and equitable distribution of medications globally. In recent years, advancements in technology have significantly impacted drug distribution. The rise of online marketplaces and the dark web has facilitated the trade of illicit drugs, enabling anonymous transactions and making law enforcement efforts more challenging. Cryptocurrencies and encryption techniques further complicate efforts to track and disrupt these activities [10].

Conclusion

However, technology also offers potential solutions to some of the challenges associated with drug distribution. Blockchain technology, for instance, holds promise in enhancing the transparency and traceability of pharmaceutical supply chains, reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs and improving overall drug safety. Moreover, telemedicine and remote healthcare services can bridge gaps in access to medications and medical expertise, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Drug distribution is a complex issue that extends beyond the boundaries of legality.

References

1. Lim C, Shin Y, Lee S, Lee S, Lee MY, Shin BS, et al. Dynamic drug release state and PEG length in PEGylated liposomal formulations define the distribution and pharmacological performance of drug. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2022;76:103825.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

2. Hammar R, Sellin ME, Artursson P. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36690119/Epithelial%20and%20microbial%20determinants%20of%20colonic%20drug%20distribution. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2023:106389.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar][PubMed]

3. Di L, Kerns EH, Bezar IF, Petusky SL, Huang Y. Comparison of blood–brain barrier permeability assays: in situ brain perfusion, MDR1-MDCKII and PAMPA-BBB. J Pharm Sci. 2009;98(6):1980-1991.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

4. Tillner J, Wu V, Jones EA, Pringle SD, Karancsi T, Dannhorn A, et al. Faster, more reproducible DESI-MS for biological tissue imaging. J pharm sci. 2017 ;28(10):2090-8.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

5. Wei Y, Kong L, Chen H, Liu Y, Xu Y, Wang H, Fang G, et al. Super-resolution image-based tracking of drug distribution in mitochondria of a label-free naturally derived drug molecules. J. Chem. Eng. 2022 ;429:132134.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

6. Martinez MN, Amidon GL. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12043951/A%20mechanistic%20approach%20to%20understanding%20the%20factors%20affecting%20drug%20absorption:%20a%20review%20of%20fundamentals. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 2002 2(6):620-43.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

7. ] Zosen D, Hadera MG, Lumor JS, Andersen JM, Paulsen RE. Chicken embryo as animal model to study drug distribution to the developing brain. J PHARMACOL TOX MET2021 ;112:107105.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

8. Guo S, Li K, Chen Y, Li B. Unraveling the drug distribution in brain enabled by MALDI MS imaging with laser-assisted chemical transfer. Acta Pharm. Sin. B 2022 ;12(4):2120-6.[Crossref]

   [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

9. Farkas Á, Tomisa G, Kugler S, Nagy A, Vaskó A, Kis E, et al. The effect of exhalation before the inhalation of dry powder aerosol drugs on the breathing parameters, emitted doses and aerosol size distributions. Int J Pharm  X. 2023 ;5:100167.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]

10. Delbreil P, Rabanel JM, Banquy X, Brambilla D. Therapeutic nanotechnologies for Alzheimer’s disease: a critical analysis of recent trends and findings. Adv Drug Deliv Revs. 2022 :114397.

    [Crossref] [Google scholar] [Pubmed]