First of all, I love this newsletter. I actually cover a lot of pharma and biotech stories, and when I bring this up to people, it becomes very clear very fast that there is so little knowledge of how medicines are developed and tested and scrutinized, how they work, and sometimes, why they exist at all. A lot of people here simply view pharmaceutical companies as the enemy—while also viewing them as the first stop to treat all of their problems. I’m not saying there aren’t major issues in the pharma industry, but that’s not all there is to know about it.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, my favorite Batman was not listed: Lego Batman. And I’ll not be told for one second that it’s not a serious Batman, because that movie is a masterpiece.
I love this! Such a creative and fun way to explain medications to people. I’m a Keaton and Bale girl myself - have a soft spot for the OG film in large part due to my love for Jack Nicholson. I’m also not ashamed to admit that I thought Alicia Silverstone totally overshadowed Clooney!
Thank you for this fun exploration into the world of pharmaceuticals (and supplements!) Next time I take my Quercetin I will tell myself I’m taking my George Clooney lol.
If you’re an overall fan of Bale - have you ever seen Newsies? Near and dear to my heart!
oh my goodness - you’re in for a treat! It was a staple of my childhood - whenever I was home sick I would be kept company by Christian Bale singing and dancing (along with 100 other cute boys). Let me know what you think!
Hey Australia! I can’t comment on any of the Batmans, but I have lots to say about drugs and supplements! As a two-time kidney transplant patient, I have zero tolerance for Tacrolimus (Prograf). After three hours I have tremors, migraine and back pain…But I have been on Cyclosporine for 36 years with few side effects. The risk / benefit ratio is a challenging line to walk for chronically ill patients. I am grateful for pharmaceuticals, but have also suffered greatly on them.
I have nothing to add here, other than to say that failing to even mention Kevin Conroy, objectively the greatest Batman of all time, automatically disqualifies you from being allowed to have a serious opinion on the character. Sorry, I don’t make the rules
Clever intro to an important topic Lauren! 👏 Here in the US, when the FDA was being set up, the makers of "supplements" and medical devices lobbied successfully to escape oversight for their products. And now Big Pharma is pressuring the FDA to ignore its own expert panels in the drug approval process. Money talks. Safety and efficacy matter.
This is some crazy shit but I love it.
Thank you Jordan, glad you enjoyed it!
First of all, I love this newsletter. I actually cover a lot of pharma and biotech stories, and when I bring this up to people, it becomes very clear very fast that there is so little knowledge of how medicines are developed and tested and scrutinized, how they work, and sometimes, why they exist at all. A lot of people here simply view pharmaceutical companies as the enemy—while also viewing them as the first stop to treat all of their problems. I’m not saying there aren’t major issues in the pharma industry, but that’s not all there is to know about it.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, my favorite Batman was not listed: Lego Batman. And I’ll not be told for one second that it’s not a serious Batman, because that movie is a masterpiece.
I can’t believe I forgot Will Arnett!!
Valid choice.
Thanks so much for the encouragement Danielle-I’m thinking I might get into the drug development pathway next for something really exciting 😂
I would read the crap out of that piece. Go forth!
I agree with Danielle on two counts - I love this newsletter and the Lego movie is a masterpiece!
You ladies are the best- thanks Carrie 💕
I love this! Such a creative and fun way to explain medications to people. I’m a Keaton and Bale girl myself - have a soft spot for the OG film in large part due to my love for Jack Nicholson. I’m also not ashamed to admit that I thought Alicia Silverstone totally overshadowed Clooney!
Thank you for this fun exploration into the world of pharmaceuticals (and supplements!) Next time I take my Quercetin I will tell myself I’m taking my George Clooney lol.
If you’re an overall fan of Bale - have you ever seen Newsies? Near and dear to my heart!
Thanks so much! Yeah, Jack Nicholson is a great joker. I think I might need to rewatch that one. I haven’t seen Newsies- I shall add it to my list!
oh my goodness - you’re in for a treat! It was a staple of my childhood - whenever I was home sick I would be kept company by Christian Bale singing and dancing (along with 100 other cute boys). Let me know what you think!
Hey Australia! I can’t comment on any of the Batmans, but I have lots to say about drugs and supplements! As a two-time kidney transplant patient, I have zero tolerance for Tacrolimus (Prograf). After three hours I have tremors, migraine and back pain…But I have been on Cyclosporine for 36 years with few side effects. The risk / benefit ratio is a challenging line to walk for chronically ill patients. I am grateful for pharmaceuticals, but have also suffered greatly on them.
There’s a lot we can learn from your life experiences Henriette!
Lots to learn from you, as well, Lauren! Thank you!
I have nothing to add here, other than to say that failing to even mention Kevin Conroy, objectively the greatest Batman of all time, automatically disqualifies you from being allowed to have a serious opinion on the character. Sorry, I don’t make the rules
(…editing post to clarify live action Batman in hopes to be forgiven for the transgression)
Thanks for reading and keeping me accountable.
You are forgiven for providing an excellent analysis…
Phew! And thanks 😊
Clever intro to an important topic Lauren! 👏 Here in the US, when the FDA was being set up, the makers of "supplements" and medical devices lobbied successfully to escape oversight for their products. And now Big Pharma is pressuring the FDA to ignore its own expert panels in the drug approval process. Money talks. Safety and efficacy matter.
Thanks for writing!
Money certainly does talk when it comes to pharma. It’s why solid policy and legislation is so critical in this space.
Thanks for reading and commenting Baird- glad you enjoyed it!
Most of us are out here ingesting George Clooneys and Val Kilmers left, right and center. I love me a drug that's got nipples!
Val Kilmer will forever live on in my heart as the actor from Top Secret and Real Genius. The rest of his stuff? Meh.
Another informative, easy to read article. Well done!