Influencer la recherche pharmaceutique : un enjeu pour la connaissance des pathologies. Le cas de l'hypercholestérolémie et des statines

The aim of this paper is to show that the conception of drugs orientates the disease?s knowledge. We will demonstrate this proposition with regard to the hypercholesterolemia?s story. In the first place, we?ll see that the elaboration of treatments fully participates to the evolution of the pathological mechanism?s knowledge. Indeed, the research regarding hypercholesterolemia progressed with the inventing of drugs to lower cholesterol?s level. In the second place, we?ll take an interest in the treatment?s development. We?ll underline the influence of health authorities and clinicians on firm?s choices and strategies. Nevertheless, firm?s financial?s ends move reseach towards limited ways. Thus, in the case of hypercholesterolemia, clinical research has been focused on the question of the cholesterol?s pathological rate.