Page 4 - Automated 14 - Maintenance matters

ISSUE 14
The success of
America’s legacy of life-changing pharmaceutical innov
The American Civil War and pharmaceutical innovation are not topics often discussed together. However, the war marked the beginning of the United States’ pioneering lead in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D).
Global pharmaceutical company, Pfizer was founded in 1849 by cousins Charles Pfizer and Charles F. Erhart. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Pzifer expanded operation to meet growing demand for painkillers, preservatives and disinfectants. Combining advancements from the scientific and industrial revolutions of the previous two centuries allowed the company to develop, manufacture and supply products such as tartaric acid and cream of tartar for the Union Army.
Meanwhile, a certain Colonel Eli Lilly was fighting for the confederacy. Lilly was a trained pharmaceutical chemist and when the war was over, he established the now internationally leading business in 1876. What made Eli Lilly stand out was his pioneering approach to introducing new medication. In fact, his business was one of the first in the world to invest in R&D as well as manufacturing.
“What made Eli Lilly stand out was his pioneering approach to introducing new medication”
This marks the start of a legacy of pharmaceutical innovation in the US that has introduced the world to some of the most life changing new medication.
The war on cancer
Fast-forward to the 1970s, when pharmaceutical innovation in the US was strong enough to gain congressional support to declare war on cancer. Cancer was the second leading cause of death in America when President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act in 1971, which led to the formation of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
While that cure remains elusive, investment in R&D has led to great strides being made in cancer
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