Buddha meditated for six years, and Shiva had his mountain. Could there be a drug that might induce enlightenment? A substance that could cause us to attain a heightened state of consciousness, the gaining of a perspective that perforates this veil of maya, revealing the divine in us and others a well? One that makes us perceive that the biggest problem of the world isn't global warming, air pollution, or overpopulation, but is a global demented state of consciousness, the demon of ignorance that has ingested this whole wide world?

Join journalist Barry Werth as he pulls back the curtain on Vertex, a start-up pharmaceutical company, and witness firsthand the intense drama being played out in the pioneering and hugely profitable field of drug research. Founded by Joshua Boger, a dynamic Harvard- and Merck-trained scientific whiz kid, Vertex is dedicated to designing—atom by atom—both a new life-saving immunosuppressant drug, and a drug to combat the virus that causes AIDS. You will be hooked from start to finish, as you go from the labs, where obsessive, fiercely competitive scientists struggle for a breakthrough, to Wall Street, where the wheeling and dealing takes on a life of its own, as Boger courts investors and finally decides to take Vertex public. Here is a fascinating no-holds-barred account of the business of science, which includes an updated epilogue about the most recent developments in the quest for a drug to cure AIDS.

In his exciting new book, John Mann, author of the highly successful Murder, Magic, and Medicine, reveals the history of the drugs that are so commonplace today in the treatment of disease. While we can now treat so many of these illnesses, the side-effects caused by many of these treatmentscan be severe, and even more worrying - the bacteria are now becoming more resistant to the drugs (the so-called 'superbugs'). Scientists are also faced with a massive challenge in developing drugs that can effectively treat HIV, ebola, and many forms of cancer, but without the terribleside-effects of such treatments as chemotherapy or AZT - this is the quest for the 'magic bullet.' The book starts with a history of drug development, introducing us to some of the fascinating characters whose work so influenced the search for these drugs. Leading up to the present day, and theexciting advances being made within molecular biology, the book provides a lively, and fascinating introduction for non-scientists to one of the most exciting fields of activity within modern medicine.

Leading physicians and scientists from around the world critically examine the pharmacological and molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of marihuana and its active ingredient, THC. They detail the broad array of marihuana's effects on brain function, the immune system, male and female reproductive functions, and cardiac and pulmonary functions, as well as evaluate its clinical applications in psychiatry, glaucoma, pain management, cancer chemotherapy, and AIDS treatment. Their studies indicate that marihuana persistently impairs the brain and reproductive function, and that marihuana smoke is more toxic and damaging to the lung than tobacco smoke. Marihuana and Medicine's reports of the latest findings on the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of marihuana and of its clinical manifestations will be essential reading for physicians, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, health-care professionals, policy makers, public health officials, and attorneys.

“A beautiful and well-researched historical guide to significant drugs” from the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Prescription Drugs (Library Journal). Throughout history, humans everywhere have searched for remedies to heal our bodies and minds. Covering everything from ancient herbs to cutting-edge chemicals, this book in the hugely popular Milestones series looks at 250 of the most important moments in the development of life-altering, life-saving, and sometimes life-endangering pharmaceuticals. Illustrated entries feature ancient drugs like alcohol, opium, and hemlock; the smallpox and the polio vaccines; homeopathic cures; and controversial medical treatments like ether, amphetamines, and Xanax—while shining a light on the scientists, doctors, and companies who brought them to us. “These true tales of discovery in The Drug Book by Michael C. Gerald might change the way you think about your medicine.” —The Healthy “An excellent starting point for student researchers and is very browsable for the general reader.” —Booklist

Updated to keep pace with the latest data and statistics, Drugs and Society, Thirteenth Edition, contains the most current information available concerning drug use and abuse. Written in an objective and user-friendly manner, this best-selling text continues to captivate students by taking a multidisciplinary approach to the impact of drug use and abuse on the lives of average individuals.

Updated to keep pace with the latest data and statistics, Drugs and Society, Thirteenth Edition, contains the most current information available concerning drug use and abuse. Written in an objective and user-friendly manner, this best-selling text continues to captivate students by taking a multidisciplinary approach to the impact of drug use and abuse on the lives of average individuals.