Pharmaceutical Innovation: From Plants to Proteins

French pharmaceutical innovation began with systematic study of medicinal plants. The isolation of morphine from opium by Séguin in 1804 (though Sertürner usually gets credit) exemplified the French approach—identifying active principles in traditional remedies. This reductionist strategy enabled consistent dosing and synthetic modification for improved drugs.

The development of aspirin by Charles Frédéric Gerhardt (though commercialized by Bayer) showed French contributions to everyday medicines. French pharmaceutical companies like Rhône-Poulenc (later Sanofi) developed numerous drugs from antihistamines to antibiotics. The emphasis on understanding mechanism of action, not just empirical effect, guided rational drug design.

French research contributed significantly to understanding drug metabolism. Why did the same dose affect different people differently? Genetic variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes explained much variability. This pharmacogenetic understanding enables personalized dosing—adjusting medication based on individual genetics rather than trial and error.

Modern French pharmaceutical research emphasizes biologics—proteins as drugs. From insulin to antibodies, these large molecules provide specificity impossible with small molecules. French companies lead in developing biosimilars—generic versions of biologics requiring sophisticated analysis to ensure equivalence. This technical expertise positions France well in the growing biologics market.