You may know about the major medical advances in history: the discovery of penicillin or the creation of vaccines. The face of pharmaceuticals has had many nips and tucks; changes that have dramatically changed the way we treat illness. The following diseases have seen great changes within the past decade and a half: cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, HIV and AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis.

High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and Diabetes

Three of the most common blood disorders include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Recent advances have produced a new class of medicines that are known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. They work in the small intestine and prevent cholesterol from making its way into the liver. Also in 2002, selective aldosterone receptor antagonists were approved by the FDA.

The medicine inhibits aldosterone, which is part of the sodium absorption mechanism in the kidneys. Increased absorption can equate to higher blood pressure, which is a major reason why this drug works. When it comes to diabetes, there are several new products being tested. These include insulin in inhaled form and proteins which are used to increase insulin production when glucose levels rise. There are many more therapies in addition to these being created.

Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease

Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are all diseases that threaten the wellness of patients all over the world. Schizophrenia has recently started being treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines. These block the receptors of serotonin, which leads to a more normal life for the patient. There are currently eleven new drugs being investigated for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Advances have also been made in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are two main types of Alzheimer’s treatments: acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors and cholinesterase inhibitors. These inhibit acetylcholine and butyrycholine, respectively, which allow these chemicals to be ready for “memory-related and cognitive functioning.”

In 1998, a class of drugs known as COMT inhibitors was created to fight Parkinson’s Disease. These allow the chemical levodopa to enter the brain where it is changed into dopamine, which eases the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

HIV/AIDS

HIV and AIDS medicines have come a long way, but there is still hope that research can lead to even more improved versions. Eighty three medicines are being created which are made up of 33 anti-virals, 14 vaccines and other types of therapies. One is a gene therapy that will be used to boost the immune system. Another is an enzyme that blocks integrase, which allows HIV to reproduce itself.

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