In recent years, there has been a growing mistrust of pharmaceutical companies among the public. This mistrust can be traced back to a number of factors, including the high prices of drugs, the influence of pharmaceutical companies on government regulations, and the promotion of drugs for uses that have not been fully vetted by the scientific community. One of the main reasons for the public's mistrust of pharmaceutical companies is the high cost of drugs. Many people are unable to afford the drugs they need to treat serious illnesses, and they blame pharmaceutical companies for setting prices that are out of reach for most people. This is especially true for people with chronic conditions, who often need to take expensive drugs for the rest of their lives. Another reason for the mistrust of pharmaceutical companies is the influence they have on government regulations. Pharmaceutical companies have been known to lobby government officials in order to get favorable treatment for their products, and some people believe that these companies have too much power in shaping government policy. This can lead to regulations that are not in the best interests of patients and consumers. In addition, there have been instances where pharmaceutical companies have promoted drugs for uses that have not been fully vetted by the scientific community. This can lead to people taking drugs that may not be safe or effective for their condition, and it can also lead to the overuse of drugs that can have serious side effects. The mistrust of pharmaceutical companies is also fueled by a lack of transparency. Many people believe that these companies are not open about the research and development process for their drugs, and that they are more interested in making a profit than in helping patients. Despite these issues, it's important to note that pharmaceutical companies do play an important role in developing and bringing new drugs to market. They invest a lot of money and resources into researching and developing new treatments, and without them, many people would not have access to the drugs they need to stay healthy. However, the public's mistrust of these companies is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Pharmaceutical companies must work to regain the public's trust by being more transparent about their practices, by advocating for policies that will make drugs more affordable, and by promoting the safe and responsible use of their products. In conclusion, the pharmaceutical industry plays an important role in developing new drugs, however, the increasing mistrust of the public towards the industry, is due to the high costs of drugs, the influence of pharmaceutical companies on government regulations and promotion of drugs for unproven uses, among other reasons. It is important for the industry to work on regaining public trust by being more transparent, promoting responsible use of their products and advocating for policies that will make drugs more affordable to the public. Dr. A. Arrazaghi. MD, FRCPC