Health and Fitness Health and Fitness
Sun, December 15, 2024

Frustrated with high drug costs, biohackers are reverse engineering medical treatments


Published on 2024-12-15 06:03:18 - MSN
  Print publication without navigation

  • Why pay $84,000 for a hepatitis C drug when you can make it at home? But such DIY chemistry raises safety concerns

The article from MSN discusses the growing trend of biohackers and DIY scientists who are reverse-engineering medical treatments due to the high costs of prescription drugs. These individuals, often without formal medical training, are attempting to recreate complex medications like insulin and other essential drugs at home or in makeshift labs. This movement is driven by the prohibitive prices of pharmaceuticals, which have led to shortages and accessibility issues for many patients. The article highlights the case of Anthony Di Franco, who, after facing a significant price hike for his insulin, started a project to produce a generic version. Despite the potential benefits, this DIY approach raises significant safety and efficacy concerns, as these homemade drugs might not meet the rigorous standards of pharmaceutical production. The piece also touches on the broader implications, including the potential for regulatory crackdowns and the ethical dilemmas of bypassing traditional medical and legal frameworks.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/diseases-and-conditions/frustrated-with-high-drug-costs-biohackers-are-reverse-engineering-medical-treatments/ar-AA1vT5Kg ]
Contributing Sources