Pharmacovigilance is now Important

What is the scope of a pharmacologist's work in the world? With few new drugs being developed in India, how is it in India?

The scope is immense as pharmacologists are important members of drug discovery teams in search of newer molecules in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmacologists can act as very good reviewers of pharmacological action and adverse reactions of drugs under consideration by various regulatory agencies throughout the world. They can also be a part of a clinical research team conducting the various phases of clinical trials before the introduction of new drugs into the market.

Pharmacologists can be good educators for new students of pharmacology, to train them in the various theoretical and practical aspects of drug actions either by in vitro or in vivo experiments. They can even take up journalistic careers by publishing in various journals, newsletters, and books, thereby disseminating knowledge of newer drugs as well as giving indications about the adverse reactions of existing drugs. They may be involved in the formulation of national drug policies involving the introduction of essential drugs, and preparation of standard treatment charts for various diseases. They can be consultants to various health bodies such as the World Health Organisation.

Pharmacologists in India could work in organisations dealing with research and development, in the pharmaceutical industry, in the field of education, in clinical research, in regulatory affairs involving governmental bodies and pharmaceutical companies, in preparation of standard treatment charts, and preparation of national formulary.

Not only this, pharmacists play an important role in pharmacovigilance, which is becoming very important. Also, they could be involved in pharmacogenetics, which is about the action of drugs (on) racial genetic groups and a lot of data is needed in the context of the Indian population.

Furthermore, in medical departments of pharmaceutical companies, preparation of literature and documentation for doctors is being done by pharmacologists.

Are there new responsibilities for pharmacologists?

As mentioned earlier, pharmacovigilance is a newer field where the role of the pharmacist is becoming very important. That goes for pharmacogenetics too.

What are the challenges before pharmacologists in the country?

Many uncharted spheres in the case of research where some medical areas, for example drugs used for leprosy and leismaniases, need special intervention. And also research in disease states prevalent in the Indian sub-continent where western society is not much interested. Apart from that, areas giving challenges to pharmacologists in India include diseases such as tuberculosis and diabetes.

Author: Rahat Bano (HT Horizons)

Date: 19th October, 2010

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