I recently had a discussion with some students regarding their career paths. Given their education in pharmaceutical sciences, many are likely to find employment in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, especially with backing from the Singapore government's Tuas Biomedical Park.

This led us to examine why the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry consistently thrives financially. Upon grasping the factors involved, their immediate reaction was, "let's convince our parents!"

When I look at a random group of middle-aged individuals, it's likely that many of them are managing some type of long-term, chronic illness requiring continual medication—conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension.

These health issues, unfortunately, lack definitive cures.

The prescribed medications aim to manage the symptoms to prevent further deterioration (or so we believe).

If we were to delve into the intricate biochemical processes within the body, we would realize that visible symptoms often signal deeper, unresolved health concerns.

This concept applies to human relationships as well—when conflicts arise, it often stems from underlying emotional wounds that need resolution before the situation can improve.

As long as individuals maintain the illusion that their health issues can be managed through medication (a belief often reinforced by marketing), coupled with the fact that symptoms might not cause significant discomfort, one conclusion becomes clear.

They will likely become regular users of these medications.

Consider those who routinely visit the doctor for check-ups, receiving prescriptions to last until the next appointment.

Isn’t that akin to a subscription?

Since the medication doesn't "cure" the underlying issue but merely keeps symptoms in check…

That's when my students contemplate how to "finesse" their parents.

Now, considering the complexity of biochemical pathways in the body…

Imagine a disease mechanism with 20 steps, as identified by medical researchers through extensive studies. Let's label Step 1 as the initiation and Step 20 as the culmination, where symptoms manifest when Step 20 fails.

If Step 1 is compromised, it inevitably disrupts Steps 2 to 20.

To tackle the root cause, we must address Step 1.

Logically, addressing Step 1 could provide significant relief to many.

However, the pharmaceutical industry is unlikely to prioritize altruism. Why?

Because individuals suffering from ailments represent a lucrative opportunity for profit.

If I were driven by profit, I would focus on developing a drug targeting Step 15 of the process. If successful, I could patent it and proceed to clinical trials, capitalizing on the patent's duration to maximize earnings.

This strategy explains how Pfizer's statin drug, Lipitor, became a significant revenue generator.

Once the patent expires, I would need another revenue source.

Now, envision investing enough research resources to create multiple drugs targeting different steps of the 20-step mechanism, some of which could be patented…

I would be raking in profits.

This is one reason why the anti-inflammatory market continually innovates its products (and boosts profits).

Moreover, we can't overlook that the COVID-19 vaccine development has created NINE new billionaires.

Inflammation is a complex issue, yet non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now affordable over-the-counter options. However, they are far less profitable than patented biologic drugs, which offer better inflammation relief but come with skyrocketing costs and potential side effects.

The issue is…

Numerous diseases could potentially be reversed if we could identify and address their root causes. However, many conditions are hereditary or genetic.

Let's be honest; it's much simpler to categorize a problem as "genetic" rather than take the time to discuss it in depth… because who truly understands what "genetic" entails without some research?

If we continuously rely on self-medication, for example…

1. Tylenol/Panadol for headaches
2. Advil for pain relief
3. Pepto-Bismol for heartburn
4. And so forth…

We will focus on superficial symptoms rather than understanding what's happening within our bodies.

For instance, a fever indicates an overproduction of pyrogenic substances that elevate body temperature beyond the norm.

A runny nose signals excess histamine production, leading to increased mucus production.

The real question is: what triggers this overproduction of pyrogenic substances or histamines?

Taking an antihistamine might block histamines from triggering their receptors…

But does it address the underlying cause of histamine overproduction?

Similarly, statins inhibit the formation of new cholesterol… but do they explain why cholesterol accumulates in the body?

They do not.

As long as individuals remain oblivious to the root causes and continue to rely on recurring prescriptions…

The pharmaceutical industry will continue to thrive.

My students will find steady job opportunities within this sector.

They will be "finessing" their parents.

Furthermore, the Singapore government appears astute for designating significant land for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Recently, they secured investment from Sanofi to establish a vaccine manufacturing facility…

As we know, any entity capable of producing a "working" COVID-19 vaccine is set to engage in a highly profitable endeavor for years ahead. Just ask Pfizer, right?

While I believe the marketing surrounding the vaccine diverts attention from the chronic lifestyle choices that have silently weakened immune systems over time…

Though I perceive the vaccine as a cash grab, there are two reasons one might consider taking it.

1. If an individual possesses a healthy immune system, the vaccine likely poses minimal complications. In fact, it might be somewhat pointless; personally, I'm considering it mainly for future travel purposes.
2. If a person's immune system isn't functioning optimally, the vaccine could potentially bolster their defense against viral infections.

I am not against vaccinations—I genuinely believe that many individuals have compromised immune systems unable to handle typical viral loads. Thus, while I view the vaccine as largely unhelpful and a veiled profit scheme…

It’s often simpler to get vaccinated and move forward.

Meanwhile, recognizing dietary nutrients that can support a healthy immune system is also beneficial.

Joel Yong, Ph.D., is a biochemical engineer/scientist, educator, and author. He has published five eBooks (available on Amazon.com in Kindle format) and co-authored six articles in internationally peer-reviewed journals. His primary focus is on elucidating biochemical mechanisms in the body that medical professionals often neglect to explain to the general public, aiming to simplify these concepts for better understanding—true to the role of an educator.

Feel free to subscribe to my mailing list for exclusive content!