Drug Manufacture

[CyberNerd]

A question that's been bothering me which I hope my esteemed edugeek colleges can help me with. It isn't IT related but is related to patents. :

 

Suppose that I am proficient in organic chemistry ( ie in this imaginary scenario ). Is it legal to produce over the counter drugs for self use? I recall making asprin at school in the sixth form. Is it ok to make 'over the counter' drugs? and what about prescribed drugs?

 

Suppose I had an ageing aunt who was suffering from a curable disease and that I could synthesise a well known 'cure' that would cost a fraction of the commercial alternatives. is it ok to make it in the kitchen if I didn't sell it??

[RabbieBurns]

surely the reason for the drugs being expensive is the pharmaceutical trademarks and copyrights, and if you were to create your own you would be breaching those trademarks?

[truebluesteve]

Companies spend a great deal of money developing and more importantly testing drugs (an ex of my was in the industry) and they usually have quite short patents. This means they don't have much time to recoup their money - hence the cost of the drugs.

 

Once the patent expires then other companies are free to copy them.

[RabbieBurns]

also @CyberNerd is it not illegal to be in possession of prescription drugs without a prescription? So even if you were to make them yourself, it would still be illegal? eg I can go to asia and buy Valium over the counter, but would break the law if I were to bring them back into the UK where they are a controlled / prescription only substance.

 

For over the counter or off the shelf drugs, I guess its no different from baking your own cakes; you are equipped with the raw ingredients and the tools and knowledge to turn them into something else. IANAL tho so before you make your first batch best ask someone qualified

[sparkeh]

Perhaps this might help: https://www.gov.uk/controlled-drugs-licences-fees-and-returns

Companies and individuals in England, Wales or Scotland need to apply for Home Office licences if they wish to produce, supply, possess, import or export ‘controlled drugs’.

Here is a list of drugs that you need a licence for: https://whitehall-admin.production.alphagov.co.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/164222/controlled-drugs-list.pdf

[elsiegee40]

Given that the drugs manufacturing industry is very closely monitored and licensed, I assume that even making a simple aspirin (long since out of any copyright/patent) is probably illegal.

[laserblazer]

I'd stick to the dodgy plants in the garden shed. But be careful, the police helicopters scout around looking for sheds without snow on the roof.

[pcstru]

A question that's been bothering me which I hope my esteemed edugeek colleges can help me with. It isn't IT related but is related to patents. :

 

In terms of the patent protection, you can make something for your own use that is covered by someone else patent. It's when you start selling it that trouble may come calling.

[elsiegee40]

I'd stick to the dodgy plants in the garden shed. But be careful, the police helicopters scout around looking for sheds without snow on the roof.

 

Keep reptiles if you keep unusual plants. They need plenty of heat and UV too. The snakes/tortoises/crocs might distract the law

[CyberNerd]

also @CyberNerd is it not illegal to be in possession of prescription drugs without a prescription?

I'm really not sure

 

Perhaps this might help: https://www.gov.uk/controlled-drugs-licences-fees-and-returns

 

Here is a list of drugs that you need a licence for: https://whitehall-admin.production.alphagov.co.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/164222/controlled-drugs-list.pdf

 

This looks like the answer to my question.

I'm guessing that reproducing a patent drug that isn't on the list would be a civil offence.

 

Thanks for all the comments

[RabbieBurns]

how's the first batch coming along walter?

[CyberNerd]

how's the first batch coming along walter?

 

It was only theoretical :-)

Not really going to try anything...yet.

[andyturpie]

This beat is hydroponic?

[featured_spectre]

Ever seen a show called grow your own drugs?

 

I have made quite a few from that show which have helped family members. Average cost of production is 20p for the drugs and they last between 1 month and 6 months (generally more than any other liquid/oitment/cream medication). Works better also. Best one I did was for insect bites, make the stuff religiously every march, we rarely get bitten by insects on my walks with my daughter, and she is the same also . Others on the walks get bitten to pieces. All natural, all good