Where do medicines come from?

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This short film supports our leaflet of the same name and was produced to be seen in GP surgeries where the sound is usually turned down - hence the sub-titles. It shows how animals like dogs, rats, mice and ferrets have contributed to medical advances. You can download the leaflet here: http://bit.ly/h3RFAA

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Full transcript: Animal research plays a vital role in making medicines. Research on dogs gave us insulin. The very first person given insulin was Leonard Thompson. In 1922, the 14 year old lay dying in hospital but soon recovered after the injection. After testing on mice proved penicillin was a powerful antibiotic, it was soon in use treating the injured from World War 2. Medicines based on snake venom reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. These medicines, safety tested on rats, help millions of people control their blood pressure. Ferrets get flu … Vaccines developed in ferrets and produced in hens eggs protect us from flu. Another virus makes rabbits grow 'horns'. Studying this virus led to the first vaccines against cervical cancer. Other parts of the scientific jigsaw are studies in test-tubes, computer modelling, and seeing what effect medicines have on clinical trials. To see where medicines come from pick up a copy of our leaflet or visit our website www.uar.org.uk