[sebastien]

Originally Posted by Adam B.

Because developing something for the betterment of humanity is the right thing to do?

Ok, so let's say I'm an organic chemist and I want to develop a drug to cure one of the many type of cancer (hundreds).

I investigate for a few months and theorize that this molecule is the one I need for that particular cancer.

First thing I need is a lab. So I transform my basement into a viable laboratory. How much do you think that cost? Go to your local University chemistry department and ask around... And even they don't have all it take to create cancer drugs.

Once that hurdle is passed. I start working on the molecule.

Eureka, after months of hard labor and countless dead end, I have microgramme of what I wanted .

Now I have to do some test on rats. Reality is that it won't work and I will have to create hundreds of different molecules to get one that will be active on the cancer.

Then again, let's say that I was lucky and found a molecule that works. I'm now at least 10 years older and I can cure a rat...

Now I need to move up to pigs and monkeys. Then... testing on human. How much money do you think it cost to do clinical testing?

Assuming that I have unlimited money and that I'm willing to invest it all into the endeavor. My chances are still really slim that the molecule will work on human.

Once again, I'm at least 5 years older. My molecule works and I have built a list of side effects.

Now I have to fill in the proper paper work to patent my molecule and get government approval to distribute it, even at 1$ a pill. Then I need to go to India or China and get a factory to mass produce the pills.

Reality is even worst than what I depicted. My wife is an organic chemist. She actualy worked at Bio-Chem Pharma, the company who made the 3TC (the HIV drugs). They were lucky, the drugs worked.

She now work in another bio-tech. 10 years into R&D, 30 chemists on pay roll, 20 bologists, etc and they only have 1 molecule in clinical testing. Private investor poured in hundreds of millions into the company and have yet nothing to show for.

I'm a programmer / sys-admin. My job is easy, I work with computer and my results are immediate. The worst that can happen is that I cause some downtime or that I brick a device. I believe in open-source and give as much as I can. But I respect the pharmaceutical industry and know that what they do is out of reach of the regular hobbyist.