Latest Episodes

Episode 1: Avandia

Recently it was announced that the diabetes drug Avandia would be withdrawn from use. The drug had been used to help treat patients with type-2 diabetes, however it was discovered that those who took the drug were more at risk of cardiovascular problems than those who weren't on the drug. Dr Nick Plant at the University of Surrey explains in this episode about the Avandia withdrawal, why drugs are withdrawn and how drugs are tested to make sure they are safe for human use. Find out more by listening to the latest episode.

Episode 2: How Safe Are Drugs?

In this episode, Dr Nick Plant explains how toxicology helps weigh up the risk vs. benefit ratio of a drug before it is released to the general public. In cases where the risks outweigh the benefits of taking a drug they will be withdrawn, like in the recent case of Avandia (featured in Episode 1). Other external factors can also affect how a drug might take affect people differently, find out more by listening to the episode.

Episode 3: Natural Products That Prevent Cancer

In this episode, Professor Costas Ioannides explains how recent research has shown that small changes to our dietary habits could help decrease our chances of getting cancer.

Episode 4: Cancer

In this episode, Dr Richard Morgan explains how the disease Cancer develops; beginning with an infected cell which then grows into a malignant tumour. Early diagnoses of these tumours can increase the success of treatment. Current research at the University of Surrey is investigating how different types of cancers can be treated more effectively.

Episode 5: Non-medical Prescribing

Professor Molly Courtenay explains the current non-medical prescribing system which is used for distributing prescription drugs in the UK. In recent years more and more healthcare professionals have been given the same prescribing rights to the public as doctors. The benefits and drawbacks of this systems are discussed in this podcast.