HOW ADVERSE DRUG-REACTIONS CAN PLAY A ROLE IN INNOVATIVE DRUG RESEARCH - SIMILARITIES IN ADVERSE DRUG REACTION PROFILES OF CAPTOPRIL AND PENICILLAMINE

We describe how adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can play an important ro le in pharmaceutical research and drug development. Not only do ADRs r epresent the risks and drawbacks associated with drugs but they can al so be related to other knowledge available in pharmaceutical and medic al research. We offer a model that can be used to systematically map t he pathways through which ADRs can leas to innovative research. These pathways include chemical, therapeutic or pathophysiological steps tha t can be taken to arrive at new knowledge based on ADRs. We used the d evelopment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, especially cap topril and penicillamine was a starting point for further innovation. Historical analysis shows that in several instances research in the fi eld of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors has been triggered by ADRs. The model presented here might be applicable to other areas of i nnovative drug research.