Beyond Profit: The Ethical Compass of Banting and Salk in Medical Innovation

Abstract

In this editorial, we explore the profound contributions of scientists Frederick Banting and Jonas Salk to medical science. Their discoveries of insulin and the polio vaccine, respectively, revolutionized healthcare and exemplified a moral commitment to prioritize human welfare over financial gain. Banting and Salk's decision not to patent their life-saving inventions underscored a noble ethos in pharmaceutical innovation, emphasizing a dedication to the greater good. Their legacies challenge contemporary pharmaceutical practices, urging a reevaluation of values to prioritize compassion and societal impact. This abstract highlights the enduring significance of Banting and Salk's legacies and their profound impact on medical science and society.

Keywords: altruism; frederick banting; insulin; jonas salk; polio vaccine.