DIY Drug Production: FTVC's low-cost solution to expensive medicines

FTVC has developed a "MicroLab", an open-source controlled lab reactor (CLR) made from components easily available online

The drug Sofosbuvir is used to treat Hepatitis C, which is caused by a virus that kills 250,000 people every year. It is sold as “Sovaldi” by Gilead Sciences in the US. Many Hepatitis C treatments last up to a year, with cure rates of 70 per cent.

In contrast, a 12-week course of 84 Sovaldi pills (one pill/day) has 90 per cent cure rates. But prescription Sovaldi costs $1000/pill, so a 12-week course costs $84,000. However, the drug is also available at just $75 for 84 pills.

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