What is clinical pharmacology?

Clinical pharmacology, a specialised branch of biomedical science, holds a pivotal role in developing vital drugs and ensuring their effective use in patients. 

Clinical pharmacologists bridge the gap between scientific research and practical treatments, ultimately improving health outcomes for patients.

Sometimes referred to as clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT), it’s a diverse field that brings together trained specialists from a variety of therapeutic disciplines, such as:

• clinical medicine
• toxicology
• research
• education
• pharmaceutical production
• policy making

Every patient is different and the global needs for medical care are seemingly endless. By focusing on the economics of efficacy of drugs and their mechanisms, clinical pharmacologists are a key group of specialists that help ensure that patients have access to the right drugs—at the right dosage— at the right time.

Let’s continue to focus on what clinical pharmacology is—from its fascinating origin story to the latest developments and industry opportunities.

Evolution of Clinical Pharmacology

The roots of clinical pharmacology can be traced back to ancient cultures in China, India, and Peru. It was primarily within these cultures that humans began to realise the potential of herbs and utilise them to create medicine through an immense journey of trial and error. 

An important figure in the history of clinical pharmacology is William Withering, an English botanist and physician. His ground-breaking work in 1785 involved the therapeutic properties of the purple foxglove plant, or Digitalis purpurea. 

Withering meticulously documented the plant's effectiveness in treating dropsy, now known as congestive heart failure. This was among the first instances of carefully preparing and dosing a drug derived from a plant, which revolutionised the treatment of heart disease. 

Withering's discovery firmly positioned England on the clinical pharmacology map and provided a precedent for the systematic study of medicinal plants, paving the way for future drug discoveries. However, the term "clinical pharmacology" didn’t become common until the 1940s, and it has since evolved into the life-changing field in which we see today.

Recent developments

Today, the field of clinical pharmacology is constantly evolving, with breakthrough research and advancements in technology. 

The current scope of pharmacological developments is so vast and far-reaching, from the ground-breaking research around probiotics to the therapeutic use of psychedelics in mental health services.

This is where the role of a clinical pharmacist steps in, applying these advancements in their everyday practice to improve patient outcomes. 

It’s not only scientific data on specific compounds and medicines that is evolving but also the way in which the pharmacological process actually occurs—more on that in the next section.

Technology and innovation

Randomised control trials (RCT) are the backbone of the clinical process, allowing pharmacologists to determine which drugs are truly effective in treating patients across diverse populations.

What’s important to note about RCTs though, is that they’re extraordinarily labour-intensive and, when done at scale, can be complex to carry out.

New technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are changing clinical pharmacologists’ approach to conducting their trials. Alongside machine learning protocols and online trial platforms, industry innovations continue to push out the mark in terms of how useful drugs are designed, fabricated, and delivered.

Is pharmacology a good career?

For those interested in the development of drugs and how chemical compounds affect the human body, pharmacology at IQVIA might be an excellent career route to go down.

A pharmacology degree opens a world of possibilities in the pharmaceutical industry. 

The types of roles available in pharmacology

• As a regulatory affairs specialist, you’ll navigate complex approval processes, ensuring that pharmaceutical products comply with regulations and laws. 
• If you’re drawn to scientific communication, consider a role as a medical science liaison (MSL)—serving as a vital bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals, providing expertise and fostering relationships. 
• For those with a commercial flair, a career as a medical sales representative involves collaborating with healthcare providers to promote products and raise awareness. 
• Additionally, you can explore roles as a quality control/quality assurance analyst, safeguarding patient safety by ensuring rigorous quality standards, or as a drug safety specialist, monitoring and documenting safety during clinical trials.
•  Lastly, healthcare consultants leverage their pharmacological knowledge to advise organizations on strategic decisions, enhancing patient care and business success.

If you’re looking for advice on starting your career as a medical sales representative we can offer lots of help, you might start by reading the ultimate a-z of becoming a medical sales rep and when you’ve secured your first interview we can also advise you on how to prepare for a medical sales interview.

Clinical pharmacology can change the world

When you’re ready to find out more, begin to explore how you can make a difference in the world of pharmacology with a job at IQVIA.

Being a global company with a network of opportunities around the world, IQVIA is the best place for candidates to grow their careers across a range of therapy areas.