The chemical sciences and health: Strengthening synergies at a vital interface

Abstract

The indispensable contributions to health made by the chemical sciences have become increasingly constrained by three systemic factors. These involve fragmentations: in the way that the chemicals sciences are structured, practiced, and interrelated to aspects of health; in the combination of public and private efforts delivering medicinal products; and in the regulatory systems which oversee health-related issues across health, food, and the environment. Interlinked systemic reforms are advocated, involving (1) recontextualization of the chemistry/health interface through creating a recognized field of "the chemical sciences and health"; (2) determined and comprehensive efforts, by countries wishing to retain or strengthen their pharmaceutical development capacities, to reinforce their education, research, and innovation eco-systems; and (3) adoption of an integrated approach to the regulation of pharmaceuticals, food, and the environment.