The roles of the pharmaceutical industry and drug development in dermatology and dermatologic health care

The interactions and relationships between the pharmaceutical industry, the specialty of dermatology, dermatologists, and patients are complex and interdependent. This article discusses types of drugs, drug development and regulatory approval process, and the idiosyncrasies of dermatologic drug development. It also discusses the changing nature and strategies of the pharmaceutical industry and drug development and problems they portend for dermatology. The pharmaceutical industry has important roles in the support of research, specialty organizations, the daily practice of the dermatologist and in the delivery of dermatologic health care.