Alcohol
Conventional drug: Acamprosate
Experimental drug: Topiramate
This essay is about alcohol dependence which can be treated by acamprosate (a conventional drug). There is a experimental drug (Topiramate ) which is not approved yet to be used for the same condition. So, this essay is going to discuss this topic and the general instructions are below:
Abstract
In the abstract, half A4-page max (200-400 words), address:
– which aspect of the pathology is targeted by experimental drug
– mechanism of action and effects at cell level to organism level
– reported efficacies, side effects, etc
– your view of current status, critical evaluation of reports, shortcomings, potential
Some points should be included in this report:
– the condition, succinctly summarised (setting the scene for the drug)
– mechanism of action, from molecular to organism level, if known
– clinical studies, efficacies
– clinical studies, side-effects
– Substance: have the required issues been addressed adequately, appropriately?
– Substance: are there errors in fact? (as far as you can tell)
– Argument: does the report represent a coherent, flowing story?
– View: does the author present their own view (based on literature), rather than merely stringing together summaries from the literature? (irrespective whether you agree or not)
– Argument: can you identify glaring gaps or flaws in the argument?
– Summary: does the summary provide a stand-alone representation, summarising the essence of the argument?