TLDR The lecture concluded that drugs for human enhancement are here to stay and called for their responsible development and fair access.
The Osler Lecture 2012, delivered by R. Flower, explored the evolution of pharmacology from treating diseases to also developing lifestyle drugs and human enhancement agents. It highlighted the growth of the lifestyle drug market, which was valued at $23 billion in 2006 and projected to reach $40 billion in 2010, and the significant market for anti-aging products, which was $162.2 billion in 2008 and expected to increase to $274.5 billion. The lecture discussed the ethical and regulatory challenges posed by drugs that enhance human performance, such as Viagra and Orlistat, and the widespread use of cognitive enhancers, with 16% of college students in the USA and 10% of UK students using them. It also mentioned the military's interest in neuroenhancement drugs. The lecture concluded that enhancement drugs are likely to remain and suggested a need to revise the traditional view that physicians should discourage medicine use, advocating for proper development, testing, and equitable access to these drugs.
117 citations,
August 2008 in “Sociology of Health and Illness” The conclusion is that the increasing use of drugs for lifestyle reasons is a complex issue influenced by corporate profit, consumer behavior, and the medicalization of everyday life, with potential negative effects on personal well-being.
117 citations,
August 2008 in “Sociology of Health and Illness” The conclusion is that the increasing use of drugs for lifestyle reasons is a complex issue influenced by corporate profit, consumer behavior, and the medicalization of everyday life, with potential negative effects on personal well-being.
26 citations,
February 2002 in “Urologic clinics of North America” The document concludes that it's important to understand the placebo effect when evaluating the effectiveness of treatments in medical trials.
14 citations,
December 2007 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The article concludes that dermatologists should prescribe lifestyle drugs carefully and consider mental health treatments for patients with disorders like BDD.
1 citations,
November 2008 in “Gerontology” Older adults use lifestyle drugs to improve life quality and appearance, but caution is needed due to side effects and potential abuse.
393 citations,
November 2000 in “Archives of General Psychiatry” Testosterone is important for men's sexual function, may help some women's sexual desire, while other hormones and neurotransmitters also play complex roles in sexual behavior.
