Dive into the fascinating world of biopharmaceuticals with this curated list of documentaries. These films not only shed light on the cutting-edge science behind drug development but also explore the ethical, economic, and human aspects of this industry. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how new medicines come to be, these documentaries offer a compelling look into the world of biopharma.
The Business of Being Born (2008)
Description: This documentary explores the medicalization of childbirth, touching on the biopharma industry's role in prenatal care and the ethical implications of profit-driven healthcare.
Fact: It was co-directed by Ricki Lake, who also appears in the film discussing her own childbirth experiences.
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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)
Description: This film tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used to create the HeLa cell line, which has been pivotal in biopharma research.
Fact: Oprah Winfrey stars as Henrietta Lacks' daughter, Deborah, in this adaptation of Rebecca Skloot's best-selling book.
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The Age of Consequences (2016)
Description: While primarily about climate change, this documentary discusses how environmental changes impact health, leading to new biopharma challenges and opportunities.
Fact: It features interviews with military and political figures discussing the security implications of climate change.
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The Gene Doctors (2017)
Description: Explore the pioneering work of gene therapy, where scientists attempt to cure genetic disorders by altering DNA. This documentary highlights the potential and pitfalls of this emerging field.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.
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The Trials of Henry Kissinger (2002)
Description: While not exclusively about biopharma, this documentary touches on Kissinger's role in international politics, which indirectly influenced pharmaceutical policies and practices.
Fact: The film was directed by Eugene Jarecki, who later made "Why We Fight."
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The Pharmacist (2020)
Description: A Netflix series that follows a pharmacist's quest for justice after his son's death from an opioid overdose, shedding light on the pharmaceutical industry's role in the opioid crisis.
Fact: The series has been praised for its in-depth look at the personal and systemic failures in the fight against drug addiction.
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The Bleeding Edge (2018)
Description: A deep dive into the world of medical devices, this documentary also covers the biopharma industry's intersection with medical technology, highlighting issues of safety and regulation.
Fact: The film was produced by Kirby Dick, known for his investigative documentaries.
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The Human Genome Project (2003)
Description: This documentary chronicles the monumental effort to map all human DNA, a project that has revolutionized biopharma by providing a blueprint for understanding genetic diseases and developing targeted therapies.
Fact: The film includes interviews with key scientists like Craig Venter and Francis Collins, who were instrumental in the project's success.
30 Days Free The Vaccine War (2010)
Description: Delving into the contentious world of vaccine development, this documentary examines the race to create vaccines for diseases like Ebola and the ethical considerations involved in human trials.
Fact: The film features exclusive footage from vaccine research labs around the world.
30 Days Free The Invisible Patients (2016)
Description: This documentary focuses on the mental health crisis in America, exploring the role of pharmaceuticals in treatment and the debate over their efficacy and side effects.
Fact: The film was screened at the United Nations to raise awareness about mental health issues.
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