Growth of Pharmaceuticals

1960 - Institutional Event

During the 1960s, prescription drug development increased dramatically, with major social and public health consequences.

 For example, the licensing of oral contraceptives in 1960 expanded women’s choices about family planning and sexual behavior.  By the late ’60s, many of the infectious diseases that had been leading causes of death for decades could be prevented by vaccines.  Routine childhood immunization, along with greater public health education, caused marked declines in death rates.

The rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry affected the business world, too, and in some cases, even real estate development.  Research Triangle Park was planned and developed in central North Carolina during the ’60s to attract the new pharmaceutical companies as well as research and technology firms. Ultimately, RTP changed the state’s agriculture-based economy to one dominated by health care and technology.

Information provided by BCBSNC.

Durham business leader George Watts Hill showcases the plan for Research Triangle Park. Photo courtesy of the Research Triangle Foundation.